8 Rarest and Most Endangered Species in Existence

While we continue to ruin our environment, more and more species are getting the “almost extinct” attribute. While it saddens me to even think about how many species are nearly extinct, here are 8 that emerged on the top of this sad list recently:

1. Black-Eyed Tree Frog

These cute amphibians, native to Mexico and South America are expected to decline in numbers up to 80% in the next few years. Main reasons would be habitat destruction by humans and chytrid fungus, disease that's striking down amphibians all over the world.

2. Philippine Crocodile

Enormous hunting related death toll and forbidden dynamite fishing brought these crocodiles, that were once inhabitants of several Philippine islands, down to 4 (yes, only 4) recorded living specimens.

3. Western Lowland Gorilla

These once most numerous gorilla species were struck down by massive poaching and diseases, mostly Ebola virus, which dwindled their population by as much as 75% in the last decade.

4. Amur Leopard

This subspecies of leopard is only found in Primorye region of Russia. Some amazing feats are reported about this animal – jumping abilities ranging up to 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically. Sadly, last species counts came back with only 14 – 20 adults and around 7 – 10 cubs. It's sad to see such fascinating creature being almost extinct.

5. White Antelope

Once found in almost every part of Africa, these beautiful creatures are now found only in the wild and unpopulated parts of Niger. There, only about 300 specimens remain.

6. Northern Bald Ibis

According to the Turkish legend, this was one of the first animals that came off the Noah's ark and were seen as a symbol of fertility. While considered extinct, this exotic bird was rediscovered in the Syrian desert few years ago.

7. Mountain Pygmy Possum

This is the only mammal from Australia that lives strictly in high altitude environments. But, as destructive and unconcerned about our surroundings as we are, we built ski resorts over their habitats thus causing sharp decline or these adorable little creatures.

8. Sumatran Rhinoceros

While being the smallest living rhinoceroses, they are the only Asian rhinos with two horns and that's making them valuable targets for poachers. With population of about 275, they are struggling to survive on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.