List of Endangered Species in the USA

List of Endangered Species in the US: In the United States, there are several animals that are in danger of disappearing. Apart from this, some animals are also struggling to survive which may result in disappearance of those animals. It is important to learn about these animals so we can help protect them. We can support groups that work to save them or ask lawmakers to make laws to keep them safe.

Right now, there are over 1,300 animals in the U.S. that are at risk of going extinct. We have curated a list of animals which are in danger in USA.

List of Endangered Species in the USA

Species	Category	Year
Florida Panther	Mammals	1967
Red Wolf	Mammals	1967
American Alligator	Mammals	1973
Loggerhead Sea Turtle	Reptiles	1978
California Condor	Birds	1967
Black-footed Ferret	Mammals	1967
Key Deer	Mammals	1967
Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly	Insects and arachnids	1976
San Joaquin Kit Fox	Mammals	1979
White River spring fish	Fish	1985

Endangered Species in the USA

Florida Panther

The Florida panther is a big cat found in Florida. There are only about 100 to 180 left in the wild. They used to live in many parts of the southeastern United States, but now they mostly stay in South Florida. This is because people have been cutting down forests and building cities which has taken away the panther’s home. They also have trouble crossing roads and highways without getting hurt.

Since 1967, the Florida panther has been on the endangered species list which means they are at risk of disappearing forever. You can see them in places like forests, grasslands, and swamps, such as the Everglades National Park.

Red Wolf

The red wolf is a rare species of wolf found in the United States. It’s easily recognizable by its red fur on its ears, neck, and legs. There are only 15 to 17 red wolves left in the world making them critically endangered. They used to roam across eastern and south-central parts of the US but their numbers have drastically declined due to human activities like hunting and accidents with vehicles.

In 1967, the red wolf was declared “threatened with extinction” and protected under the law. To help save them, the US Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced red wolves to eastern North Carolina. This was done to protect them and increase their population for the future.

American Alligator

The American alligator is a big reptile found in the United States. It has a wide snout and is usually dark-colored. It used to be in danger of disappearing, but now it’s doing much better because people have worked hard to protect it. It mostly lives in places with fresh water, like swamps and rivers in the southeastern part of the United States.

Even though it looks scary, the American alligator actually helps keep the ecosystem balanced by controlling the number of other animals, like fish and turtles. But, it still faces dangers from losing its habitat and from people. So, it’s still important to keep working to protect these animals.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The Loggerhead sea turtle was declared endangered in 1978 due to a drop in numbers. Their nesting habitats on beaches were destroyed, and their eggs were overharvested. They also got caught accidentally in fishing gear.

About 95% of these turtles breed in Florida, but they are also found in North and South Carolina and Alabama’s coasts. Florida’s coastal development, especially for recreational activities, harmed them more. However, efforts have helped. Between 1989 and 1998, their population increased by 24%, with over 100,000 nests yearly.

California Condor

The California condor is a large bird native in North America and is known as the largest wild bird in the region. However, in the 1980s, their population dwindled to just about six individuals in the wild, pushing them close to extinction.

This decline was primarily caused by lead poisoning, as condors would ingest bullet fragments left in animal carcasses, and the use of the pesticide DDT, which led to thinning eggshells and reproductive issues. To save the species, the remaining condors were captured for a breeding program. Thanks to these efforts, their population increased to 223 by 2003.

Black-footed Ferret

This cute creature part of the weasel family is called the black-footed ferret because of its black feet, face mask, and tail tip. It is the only ferret native to the Americas and relies on prairie dog burrows for food and shelter.

Their numbers have dropped a lot due to changes in their grassland homes, prairie dog removal, and diseases brought by non-native species. Since being protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1967 and with help from breeding programs, their population has recovered to nearly 340 in the wild.

Key Deer

The Key deer is a small type of deer that lives only in the Florida Keys, a chain of islands in southern Florida, USA. These deer are endangered because their habitat is being destroyed by development and roads and because they are sometimes hit by cars. Many efforts are being made to protect the Key deer and the places where they live. It’s important to help these deer so they can continue to survive in their natural environment.

Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly

The Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly is a tiny butterfly found in California’s Central Valley. It’s known for its beautiful orange and brown wings with black spots. Sadly, this butterfly is endangered due to habitat loss. The places where it used to live, called grasslands, are disappearing because people are building houses and roads there.

San Joaquin Kit Fox

The San Joaquin kit fox is a small fox found in North America, measuring about 51 cm long. They have large, noticeable ears. These foxes used to live in much of California’s San Joaquin Valley before 1930. However, like many endangered species, they are now at risk due to habitat loss.

Their natural habitats have been converted into farmland and urban areas, and they are also affected by harmful chemicals used to kill rodents. By 1979, less than 7% of the valley’s original wilderness remained. Despite being declared endangered in 1967, the population of kit foxes is still fewer than 7,000.

White River Spring fish

The White River spring fish is a type of fish that lives in freshwater habitats. It is found in the White River drainage in the state of Utah, USA. This species faces endangerment due to factors such as habitat degradation, water pollution, and competition from non-native fish species introduced into its habitat. Efforts to protect and conserve the White River springfish include habitat restoration projects and regulations on fishing practices to prevent overexploitation. Despite conservation efforts the population of this species remains low, and continued conservation actions are necessary to ensure its survival.

Conclusion

Endangered species in the US are in danger of disappearing because of things people are doing, like destroying their habitats and polluting the environment. These species include well-known ones like the Florida panther and bald eagle, as well as lesser-known ones like the Lange’s metalmark butterfly and San Joaquin kit fox.

To help these animals survive, we need to protect their habitats, breed them in captivity, and educate people about the importance of conservation. It is important to act now to save these species and the ecosystems they live in for future generations.

List of Endangered Species in the USA – FAQs

How many species are on the USA endangered list?

As of 2024, there are 1300 endangered species in the US, according to the Endangered Species Act.

What is an endangered species?

An endangered species is a type of organism that is at risk of becoming extinct due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities.

Why are species becoming endangered in the US?

Species become endangered in the US primarily due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overhunting, and invasive species introduction.

How does climate change affect endangered species?

Climate change can threaten endangered species by altering habitats, shifting migration patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and exacerbating existing threats such as habitat loss and disease.

What are the consequences of losing endangered species?

The loss of endangered species can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, affect food chains, and lead to negative impacts on human health and well-being.