Conservationists have unveiled ten extraordinary species facing extinction as time runs out to meet global nature targets. Fauna & Flora, an international conservation charity, highlighted the creatures for 2026 to drive urgent action before critical 2030 climate and biodiversity goals.
The species populations are declining at an alarming rate. From a critically endangered eel that has vanished by 95% in UK waters over 25 years to a rare primate with just 74 individuals left on Earth, each faces severe pressures from habitat loss, illegal trade, and climate change.
"The species we share our planet with are truly extraordinary," said Kristian Teleki, chief executive of Fauna & Flora. "From the most peculiar of rays, to the majestic falcon, to the tulips we buy in our supermarkets each day, every plant and animal plays a unique and essential role in sustaining life on Earth, but time is running out."
Less than five years remain until 2030, the target year for many global nature and climate commitments. Teleki emphasized the urgency: "We can no longer afford to delay action to protect and restore our planet's natural wonders."
Species on the brink
The list features some of the planet's most unusual creatures.
The psychedelic earth tiger, a colourful tarantula with metallic iridescence, inhabits tropical forests in southern India's Western Ghats.
The blackchin guitarfish, a critically endangered ray from the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, looks as if sewn together from two different species.
The cao vit gibbon, the second rarest primate on Earth, was believed extinct by conservationists until its rediscovery in 2002 on the Vietnam-China border. Its population now stands at an estimated 74 individuals.
The European eel had not been recorded in Georgian waters for some time before recent detection.
Other highlighted species include the Utila spiny-tailed iguana from a small Honduran island and Temminck's pangolin from arid East and Southern Africa.
Wild tulips from Central Asian mountains are ancestors of garden varieties. The saker falcon, prized by falconers for centuries particularly in the Middle East, also made the list.
Clouded leopards targeted by illegal wildlife trade in Cambodia complete the selection.
Conservation in action
Fauna & Flora has outlined specific actions for each species in 2026. A census will assess the impact of protection efforts on cao vit gibbon populations. Researchers will conduct further studies on the European eel while working to secure long-term protection for the psychedelic earth tiger.
Conservation work has already shown results. Protection and restoration of mangrove trees boosted the Utila spiny-tailed iguana population from an estimated 3,000-6,000 to 7,000-14,000 individuals.
The charity supports community-led patrols protecting clouded leopards in Cambodia's Virachey National Park.
In Mozambique, a crisis clinic rehabilitates and releases rescued pangolins.
Conservation groups are strengthening marine protected area networks to halt the blackchin guitarfish's decline by reducing fishing deaths.
Teleki described the annual list as a "beacon of hope", showcasing both the challenges facing at-risk species and the dedicated individuals working to save them.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
