Imagine being one of the very few humans left on Earth. You’d be a living relic of many vanished family lines. For some species, this is the reality they are forced to live every day due to ruined habitats, lack of food, or climate change.
The animals on this list are (or were) the sole survivors of once-thriving groups. Now, we see how they merely cling to existence.
Let’s explore the remarkable stories of the “last survivors”. They are animals that remind us of the critical need for conservation. For those who are already gone – let’s at least honor and remember them the way that Mother Nature intended.
1. Rabbs’ Fringe-Limbed Treefrog
Picture a gliding frog that moves gracefully between rainforest trees – that is the life of this little Treefrog. They were discovered in Panama, and last spotted in 2005 before being declared extinct.
The only survivor, who was later called Toughie, sadly left this world already. In the end, we couldn’t save them – and we lost one of many remarkable species. But let’s remember Toughie for what he was – a tough soldier!
2. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
This species is the most endangered turtle species on Earth! And only four known individuals are left.
These turtles can grow over three feet long and weigh as much as a small adult human. Can you imagine just how huge that is? But despite their size, they are incredibly fragile. Conservationists are racing against time to prevent their extinction!
3. Pinta Island Tortoise
This species was discovered in the 70s. But even then the numbers were low! Eventually, all the numbers boiled down to one: Lonesome George who was the final member of the subspecies.
Let me repeat: George was the last of his kind. He was so completely alone in this world. Oh, my heart!
Despite efforts to breed George with closely related tortoises, George passed away in 2012. Unfortunately, we can only learn and try to do better from this disaster. But let’s do our best to ensure no George has to live completely alone this long!
4. Northern Bald Ibis
Think you know all the cool birds around? Well, this particular one is a rarity that will test your knowledge. The Northern Bald Ibis is a critically endangered bird. Thanks to our messing with nature, there are only a few tiny wild populations living in Morocco now.
They were once widespread across Europe, but now, it teeters on the edge of extinction. Just what are we doing to nature, jeez!
5. Amur Leopard
This majestic cat roams the snowy forests of Russia and China. Sadly, the population is uncertain, but it is presumed that there are fewer than 120 of them around. This marks them as one of the most endangered species on the planet.
Despite their rarity, the light-colored fur makes them blend into the snow around them perfectly. And those legs? They help them leap incredible distances! Sadly, even with all these animal superpowers, their survival still is questionable.