Endangered, hunted, smuggled and now some would say abandoned, these animals have the smallest chances of recovery out off all the Earth’s creatures. Last year, studies shown that there are at least 35 different animals with world populations of under 1000. But which are the rarest, the animals on the brink of extinction? These animals are so rare, among which is the Tamaraw, and they might disappear forever!

Tamaraw (Dwarf Water Buffalo) - Found in the the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, the tamaraw is the only endemic Phillipine bovine. In 1900 there were an estimated 10,000 tamaraw on Mindoro, 120 in 1975, 370 in 1987 . It was declared critically endangered species in 2000 by the World Conservation Union and remained so until today, being threatened by agriculture, hunting or disease brought by domestic species. The current population was estimated in 2002 at a number between 30 and 200 individuals. Although protected by law, the illegal capture and killing of this species continues to occur.

Others among the top ten rarest animals are: The Pinta Island tortoise, Baiji (Yangtze River Dolphin), The Vancouver Island Marmot, Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat, Javan Rhino, Hispid hare, Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat, Iberian Lynx and the Red Wolf. (read more)