15 Once Common Animals That Are Now Rarely Seen

“File:Geochelone elegans (Indian star tortoise) (15536373660).jpg” by James St. John is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The natural world is full of wonders, but many species that once thrived in abundance are now vanishing from sight. Habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental changes have pushed these creatures to the edge of survival. Here are 15 such animals whose very existence is slipping away.

Pangolin

“Pangolin borneo” by Piekfrosch at German Wikipedia (Original text: Piekfrosch (Wikipedia-User)) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Recognized for their armor-like scales, pangolins are likened to “living pinecones.” Found in Africa and Asia, these solitary animals play a crucial role in pest control by eating millions of ants and termites. Tragically, their unique features have made them the world’s most trafficked mammal, driven by demand for their scales and meat in traditional medicine.

Axolotl

“Axolotl” by pabloneco is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Often dubbed the “Mexican walking fish,” this quirky little amphibian can regrow entire limbs — a superpower that has scientists seriously amazed. Native to the lake systems around Mexico City, axolotls have seen their numbers plummet due to pollution and invasive species.

Saola

“Pseudoryx nghetinhensis” by The original uploader was Silviculture at Vietnamese Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nicknamed the “Asian unicorn” for its rarity and mysterious vibe, the Saola calls the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam home. First spotted in 1992, it’s so elusive that no one has ever snapped a photo of it in the wild. Sadly, deforestation and illegal hunting are putting this shy, antelope-like creature in serious danger.

Vaquita

“Vaquita Marina” by SEMARNAT is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

The world’s rarest marine mammal, the Vaquita, is like the panda of the sea with its cute dark eye patches. It lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California, where illegal fishing for the endangered totoaba fish has tragically trapped them in gillnets. With fewer than 10 of these shy porpoises left, they’re hanging by a thread, facing the very real risk of extinction.

Indian Star Tortoise

“Indian star tortoise by N. A. Naseer” by N.A.Nazeer is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5

Named for the beautiful star-like patterns on its shell, this tortoise is used to roam dry forests and scrublands across India and Sri Lanka. Sadly, its striking looks have made it a prime target for the illegal pet trade. On top of that, habitat loss due to expanding farmland has drastically reduced its living space.

Snow Leopard

“Snow leopard” by Marie Hale is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Known as the “ghost of the mountains,” this elusive big cat blends in flawlessly with the rocky landscapes of Central and South Asia. Unlike other leopards, it has a long, thick tail that helps with balance and keeps it warm. Sadly, poaching for its fur and bones, along with human-wildlife conflict, has caused its numbers to plummet.

Tasmanian Devil

“Tasmanian Devil resting” by Wayne McLean ( jgritz) is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Famous for its fierce screech and powerful jaws, this carnivorous marsupial from Tasmania is facing a tough battle against a contagious facial tumor disease. On top of that, roadkill accidents are also responsible for their extinction. Thankfully, conservationists are stepping in and working to create disease-free colonies to help secure their future.

Red Panda

“Red Panda in a Tree Y A W N I N G!” by Harlequeen is licensed under CC BY 2.0

With its fluffy tail and stunning red fur, the red panda used to be common in the forests of the Himalayas and southwestern China. Unlike its giant panda cousin, it mostly munches on bamboo but also enjoys fruit and insects. Sadly, deforestation for farming and logging has broken up its habitat, leaving it on the brink of extinction.

Quokka

“Quokka!” by Thomas Rutter is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Known for its adorable grin, the Quokka has earned the title of the “happiest animal on Earth.” Native to Australia, these small marsupials were once found all over. Today, they’re only found on a few islands, thanks to the introduction of non-native predators like foxes and cats, which have wiped out their populations on the mainland.

Giant Chinese Salamander

“Velemlok čínský zoo praha 1” by Petr Hamerník is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Giant Chinese Salamander (aka “living fossil”) is one of the biggest amphibians on the planet, growing up to a whopping six feet long. These amazing creatures have been around for over 170 million years, outlasting dinosaurs, yet their looks have barely changed. Unfortunately, overharvesting for luxury food markets and habitat destruction have brought them to the edge of extinction.

Javan Rhino

“Asian Rhino” by Shankar70 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Javan Rhino is a solitary and elusive creature, and it’s the rarest of all rhino species, with fewer than 80 individuals left, all living in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park. Unlike its African relatives, it doesn’t have those big, prominent horns, which makes it less of a target for poachers. But sadly, habitat loss still poses a huge threat to its survival.

Bengal Florican

“Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis bengalensis) (cropped)” by Nejib Ahmed is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

This striking bird is known for its dramatic mating dance, where it leaps into the air, showing off its black and white plumage in an incredible display. Once common in India and Cambodia, its numbers have dropped drastically as grasslands are turned into farmland. Luckily, conservation efforts are in full swing to protect the last of its habitats.

European Eel

“European eel” by Belarusian Backwoods is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The European eel is an incredible traveler, migrating thousands of miles to the Sargasso Sea to breed. Once abundant, their numbers have plummeted by over 90% due to barriers blocking their migration routes, overfishing, and pollution. Scientists are still finding mysteries about their life cycle, making them one of the most interesting creatures to study.

Kakapo

“Kakapo Sirocco 1” by Department of Conservation is licensed under CC BY 2.0

This nocturnal, flightless parrot from New Zealand is one-of-a-kind in many ways—it can live for decades and is the heaviest parrot species out there. Once nearly wiped out by predators introduced by humans, this remarkable bird has slowly bounced back thanks to a dedicated conservation program. The effort to protect and increase their numbers continues, and it’s a hopeful sign for their future.

Monarch Butterfly

“Monarch Butterfly” by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from North America to Mexico every year. Sadly, habitat loss and pesticide use have taken a huge toll on their population. To help increase their population, conservationists encourage people to plant milkweed (their host plant), which is a vital support for these incredible travelers.