The Brink of Extinction: The Most Endangered Animals in the World

Cross River Gorilla

This aptly named western gorilla sticks mostly to the forested hills surrounding the headwaters of the Cross River on the Cameroon-Nigeria border. Even prior to the threat of extinction, the Cross River gorilla was so rare to come across that it was virtually unknown to scientists until the early 20^th Century and wasn’t even caught on video camera until 2009.

Today they are rarer than ever, and experts estimate that there are only 200-300 of them left in the world. Hunting and deforestation in the name of industry have relegated the remaining population to highland areas, but perhaps the greatest current threat to their existence is inbreeding. Due to their dwindling numbers, Cross River Gorillas are experiencing a loss of genetic diversity that could wipe them out completely.

Cross River #Gorillas are Africa's rarest and most endangered great ape. Only about 300 remain and their habitat is under pressure #WorldWildlifeDay #GreatApes #PrimatesUnderThreat #WWD2018 pic.twitter.com/SCnZNfH2Pa

— Cross River Gorilla (@crossrvrgorilla) March 3, 2018