The natural world is going through one of its most critical stages. Every year, thousands of animal and plant species see their existence threatened by various factors, the vast majority caused by human action. Factors such as deforestation, climate change, the poaching or the introduction of invasive species are accelerating the path to extinction of many species, some of them iconic, which could disappear in the coming decades if no action is taken. urgent measures.
In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive review of the main causes, figures, specific cases, and measures needed to halt the disappearance of biodiversity. If you've ever wondered what animals are in danger of extinction right now, why this is happening, or what you as an individual can do, read on for a complete overview of the current situation in 2025.
What is considered an endangered animal?
An endangered species is one whose populations have declined to the point of jeopardizing its short- or medium-term survival. This can be due to many reasons: habitat loss, disease, overexploitation, pollution, or the introduction of invasive species, among others.
The organization responsible for monitoring this situation worldwide is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which regularly updates its "Red List" of threatened species. According to this list, there are more than 42.100 species of living beings at risk, with the case of the amphibians (41% in danger), mammals (27%), reptiles (21%) and birds (13%).
The classification is based on several levels of severity, ranging from "Vulnerable" to "Critically Endangered", through to "Endangered". Some species have even recently disappeared, as has happened with several freshwater fish y European mammals.
Main causes of species extinction
The loss of biodiversity is not a natural phenomenon in this era.: is closely linked to human impact on the planet. Everyday actions, unsustainable policies, and the excessive exploitation of resources are eroding ecosystems.
- Climate change: Climate change is changing habitats faster than many species can adapt. Melting ice in the Arctic, the increase in the level of Mar or desertification are just some examples.
- Deforestation and habitat fragmentation: Urban expansion, intensive agriculture and fires are destroying the Natural spaces.
- Contamination: From plastics to pesticides and oil spills, they impact both the health and reproduction of many animals.
- Invasive species: The introduction of exotic animals or plants into new territories destabilizes local ecosystems.
- Poaching and Illegal Trafficking: Many species are on the verge of extinction due to their value on the illegal market, such as the rhino horn or elephant ivory.
The concept of defaunation and its ecological impact
Monarch Butterfly
Professor Rodolfo Dirzo, from Stanford University, coined the term «defaunation» to refer to the massive loss or reduction of fauna in ecosystems. This does not only imply the extinction of species, but also the drastic reduction of their populations, which affects key processes such as pollination, the seed dispersal or pest control.
When a species disappears, a domino effect is generated in its ecosystem: other species depend on it to survive or maintain natural balance. The disappearance of a mariposa It could lead to the extinction of several plants that depended on it for reproduction.
Mass extinctions throughout history
The history of life on Earth has been marked by five major mass extinctionsAmong the best known are the Permian-Triassic (the most devastating, with 96% of species gone) and that of Cretaceous-Paleogene, which ended with the Dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
Today, scientists speculate that we may be living the sixth great extinction, caused by humans. Studies of the MIT suggest that if we continue with the same rate of polluting emissions, we could witness this mass extinction before the year 2100.
Examples of animals in danger of extinction
- Javan Rhinoceros: With fewer than 70 mature specimens left, it is one of the most endangered mammals on the planet. Poaching for its horns is its main threat.
- Sumatran tiger: It only lives on this Indonesian island and could be classified as a new species. Fewer than 400 individuals remain due to illegal trafficking and forest loss.
- Mountain gorilla: According to data from WWF, there are only about 1000 copies left, distributed between Uganda, Rwanda and DRCTheir habitat is threatened by conflict, disease, and deforestation.
- Monarch butterfly: threatened by deforestation in Mexico and the disappearance of its host plant in EE. UU due to the use of pesticides.
- Red tuna: overexploited for human consumption, especially in JapanIt is subject to intensive fishing, which makes its recovery difficult.
- Magellanic penguin: affected by climate change and oil spills. Its breeding grounds are increasingly under pressure from tourism and urban development.
- Giant panda: Although its situation has improved slightly, it is still in a vulnerable state due to the fragmentation of its habitat and its low birth rate.
- European mink: Critically endangered, primarily due to habitat loss and competition with the American mink.
- Andean Condor: A symbol of South America, it is threatened by accidental poisoning and the destruction of its environment.
- Pangolin: The most trafficked mammal in the world. Its scales and meat are highly valued in the Eastern market.
Situation in Europe and Spain
Europe is not spared from this ecological crisis either. According to the IUCN, at least 36 species have disappeared on European soil since 2015. In Spain, considered one of the richest countries in biodiversity on the continent, there is reason to worry.
El Ministry for Ecological Transition accounts for a total of 65 animal species in danger of extinction in Spain and another 88 in a vulnerable state. Among the most emblematic are the Iberian lynx, grizzly, the black stork or imperial eagle.
Magellanic Penguin
What can we do?
Although it may seem distant, this reality has a lot to do with our daily habits. There are personal measures we can all take to help curb this ecological disaster:
- Reduce single-use plastics, especially those that may end up in natural environments.
- Avoid products with palm oil, whose production is responsible for massive deforestation in Asia.
- Buy responsiblyChoose products with a fair trade or sustainable origin seal.
- Support conservation organizations. Donate or collaborate with NGOs such as WWF, SEO / BirdLife u Ocean directly helps these animals.
- Inform and educateUnderstanding this problem is the first step toward changing mentalities.
The planet is at a turning point. Despite the alarming number of threatened species, we still have time to act. With political will, citizen support, and a real change in our consumption habits, it is possible to halt biodiversity loss. It is no longer just about protect the from?, but to fight for the balance of the ecosystems on which, as humans, we also depend.