Rare Animals | List of Rare Animals With Description and Images

Rare Animals: Rare animals are those that are difficult to find or encounter. They are generally restricted to a certain geographic area. These creatures are so uncommon that you may only see them once in your lifetime, even if it has been decades since one last saw them. So, consider yourself fortunate if you ever come across one of these creatures. One should always be aware of at least 10 rarest animals in the world and gather some knowledge about how endangered are rare animals.

Nature always has a surprise up its sleeve, even when you think you’ve seen it all. This is because new animal species are found every year. There are close to 8.7 million animal species on the planet, according to estimates.

This article offers a quick summary of the rarest animal in the world, 2021, as well as their current population estimates based on research figures. So, we have made a curated list of rare animals in the world.

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List of Rare Animals

Name of Rare Animals

Description on the Rare Animals on the list

Pangolin

Pangolins are threatened by poaching (for their flesh and scales, used in traditional medicine) and deforestation and are the world’s most trafficked animals. Pangolins are the only known animals with enormous protective keratin scales covering their skin.

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
MirorderFerae
CladePholidotamorpha
OrderPholidota

Seneca White Deer Endangered

The Seneca white deer are a unique leucitic herd with brown eyes and no colouring. With a population of only 300, the species was granted its own protected area in the former Seneca Army Depot, free of predators and available to the public.

Elephant Shrew

Elephant shrews are tiny, quadrupedal, insectivorous animals with scaly tails, large snouts, and legs that are lengthy for their size. While the size of the trunk varies between species, all can twist it to find food. In the wild, they live between 2.5 and 4 years. Unfortunately, he argues, deforestation has reduced the shrew’s number fast, and it “probably won’t be long before it vanishes.”

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
SubclassTheria
CladeEutheria
InfraclassPlacentalia
SuperorderAfrotheria
OrderMacroscelidea
FamilyMacroscelididae

Ti-Liger-Endangered

The Ti-Liger is a rare animal. In reality, this man-made liger-tiger hybrid is hardly visible. One is in Oroville, California, and there are between six and ten worldwide. These tigers don’t have the same health issues as their hybrid counterparts; therefore their population may grow.

Hairy Nosed Wombat

A wombat may be familiar to you, but you’ve probably never seen this hairy gentleman. Having no eyesight, these adorable animals use their noses to find food in the dark. Radin estimates that only 115 remain in the wild, all in Queensland, Australia.

Scientific NameLasiorhinus krefftii
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
InfraclassMarsupialia
OrderDiprotodontia
FamilyVombatidae
GenusLasiorhinus

Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze River, Asia’s longest, previously had two dolphin species: the finless porpoise and the Baiji dolphin. It died out in 2006 owing to man-made environmental changes. Sadly, like the Baiji dolphin, its number is rapidly dwindling. There were 1,000 in 2013, although that number may have fallen since then.

Scientific NameNeophocaena asiaeorientalis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
InfraorderCetacea
FamilyPhocoenidae
GenusNeophocaena
SpeciesN. asiaeorientalis

Vaquita Endangered

The vaquita, found in 1958, is the world’s rarest marine animal. With big grey fins and a black ring around the eyes, this porpoise is easily identified. The vaquita has been approximately reduced to a population of 30 individuals due to its frequent drowning in illicit fishing nets in the Gulf of California.

Scientific NamePhocoena sinus
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
InfraorderCetacea
FamilyPhocoenidae
GenusPhocoena
SpeciesP. sinus

Saola Endangered Unicorn

The saola is a rare Vietnamese mammal discovered in 1992. The species is known as the “Asian unicorn” because to its long parallel horns. The saola is an antelope-like creature found exclusively in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos, where experts have no idea how many there are.

Scientific NamePseudoryx nghetinhensis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyBovidae
SubfamilyBovinae
TribeBovini
GenusPseudoryx
SpeciesP. nghetinhensis

Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard is rare in that it lives in the Russian Far East, not the savanna. The Amur is a natural marvel, with warm fur and a top speed of 37 mph. Despite a 10- to 15-year lifetime, the Amur is uncommon, with the WWF presently counting just 84.

Scientific NamePanthera pardus orientalis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderCarnivora
SuborderFeliformia
FamilyFelidae
SubfamilyPantherinae
GenusPanthera
SpeciesP. pardus
SubspeciesP. p. orientalis

Hector’s Dolphin

Hector’s dolphins are the world’s rarest and tiniest marine dolphins. These rare dolphins are only seen in the seas around New Zealand’s North Island. The species is estimated to have 7,000 individuals, with certain subspecies having numbers as low as 55.

Scientific NameCephalorhynchus hectori
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
InfraorderCetacea
FamilyDelphinidae
GenusCephalorhynchus
SpeciesC. hectori

Borneo Pygmy Elephant

The Borneo pygmy elephant has enormous ears, a protruding belly, and a tail too long for its body, dragging on the ground behind it. Despite its attractiveness, the Borneo pygmy elephant is highly endangered owing to poaching and deforestation.

Scientific NameElephas maximus borneensis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderProboscidea
FamilyElephantidae
GenusElephas
SpeciesE. maximus
SubspeciesE. m. borneensis

Rare Animals 1

Black Spotted Cuscus

The black-spotted cuscus has vertical pupils and arched front claws. The cuscus is only found in New Guinea and is endangered owing to poaching and deforestation. The species is classified as “rare” and has been critically endangered since 2010, with some populations totally wiped out.

Scientific NameSpilocuscus rufoniger
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
InfraclassMarsupialia
OrderDiprotodontia
FamilyPhalangeridae
GenusSpilocuscus
SpeciesS. rufoniger

The Purple Frog

The purple frog lives mostly underground, only surfacing to mate once a year. The species has been developing independently for about 100 million years. The purple frog, which was only recently described in 2003, is already in danger of extinction owing to deforestation. Due to their reclusive nature, no precise population estimates exist.

Scientific NameNasikabatrachus sahyadrensis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyNasikabatrachidae
GenusNasikabatrachus
SpeciesN. sahyadrensis

Hispaniolan Solenodon

The Hispaniolan solenodon is one of the few mammals capable of producing venom and one of the last representatives of a lineage of shrews that may have lived alongside the dinosaurs. With just two litters of one to three pups every year, the solenodon is one of the world’s rarest mammals. The solenodon inhabits a small region of 100 square kilometres in Haiti.

Scientific NameSolenodon paradoxus
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderEulipotyphla
FamilySolenodontidae
GenusSolenodon
SpeciesS. paradoxus

Hooded Grebe

Climate change and exotic predators have caused a 98% reduction in the Hooded Grebe population since 1974. Due to poor reproduction rates, this unique species is currently endangered, with only approximately 800 members remaining.

Scientific NamePodiceps gallardoi
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPodicipediformes
FamilyPodicipedidae
GenusPodiceps
SpeciesP. gallardoi

Philippine Eagle

Known as the “Monkey-eating Eagle,” this Philippine native can use its powerful beak to attack monkeys, snakes, and lizards. Despite being the Philippines’ National Bird, this eagle’s population has been reduced to about 300 owing to deforestation and extreme weather.

Scientific NamePithecophaga jefferyi
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae
GenusPithecophaga
SpeciesP. jefferyi

Northern Darwin’s Frog

The Northern Darwin’s Frog is known one of only two frogs that “mouth broods,” or raises a youngster within its father’s vocal sac. The frog, which has been present for at least 55 million years, is nearly vanished owing to deforestation, climate change, and potentially illness. The Zoological Society of London stated that there is still chance of seeing one, therefore they are not entirely gone.

Scientific NameRhinoderma darwinii
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyRhinodermatidae
GenusRhinoderma
SpeciesR. darwinii

Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth

The pygmy three-toed sloth is particularly found on an island off the coast of Panama. They only leave their homes in the tree canopy to defecate, an action they can spend almost a week without. And, due to climate change, the sloth is increasingly rarer: its number is estimated to be around 100 and dwindling.

Scientific NameBradypus pygmaeus
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderPilosa
FamilyBradypodidae
GenusBradypus
SpeciesB. pygmaeus

Rare Animals 2

Seychelles-Bat

The Seychelles sheath-tailed bat is named from its long, membrane cape-like skin that can be extended or shortened to aid in flying. Their population has shrunk dramatically due to habitat loss for plantations, now numbering less than 100.

Scientific NameColeura seychellensis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderChiroptera
FamilyEmballonuridae
GenusColeura
SpeciesC. seychellensis

Rondo Dwarf Galago

The Rondo dwarf galago is found in coastal Tanzania and weighs around 60 grammes. The galago, with its “bottle-brush” tail and big, black eyes, has witnessed its population fall owing to deforestation. Currently, their population is extremely threatened and cannot be studied. And just eight “small and severely endangered evergreen areas” exist in Tanzania.

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderPrimates
SuborderStrepsirrhini
FamilyGalagidae
GenusParagalago
SpeciesP. rondoensis

Dwarf Gecko

With a length of barely 2 cm, a dwarf gecko might easily slip under your radar. Regardless, this Colombian native has been present since the dinosaurs, and maybe since humans and lemurs shared an ancestor. Sadly, they appear to be extinct, with only sporadic reports of sightings.

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilySphaerodactylidae
GenusSphaerodactylus

White Winged Flufftail

The white-winged flufftail is a pretty small bird that lives solely in Ethiopia’s highland marshes. Unfortunately, cattle grazing on their natural habitats, as well as the draining of local wetlands, has drastically reduced their already uncommon number, which is now estimated at approximately 700 globally.

Scientific NameSarothrura ayresi
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderGruiformes
FamilySarothruridae
GenusSarothrura
SpeciesS. ayresi

Hirola

The hirola is one of the world’s rarest antelopes, named after a tiny Somali group that believed it a supernatural entity. The hirola is known as the “four eyed antelope” because to the black glands beneath its eyes that appear to need sleep. Drought, poaching, and habitat degradation have reduced their numbers to approximately 400, and the population is continually declining.

Scientific NameBeatragus hunter
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyBovidae
SubfamilyAlcelaphinae
GenusBeatragus
SpeciesB. hunteri

Stream Frog Rare

The El Rincon stream frog is found exclusively in Argentine Patagonia. For protection from the plateau’s subzero temperatures, it stays in thermally heated springs. An mammal with a population of fewer than five square kilometres, the El Rincon is uncommon. Unfortunately, the construction of dams and the introduction of non-native species into their waterways has drastically reduced the population of El Rincon. It is now exclusively found on one plateau in Argentine Patagonia.

Scientific NamePleurodema somuncurense
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyLeptodactylidae
GenusPleurodema
SpeciesP. somuncurense

Cebu Flowerpecker

The male Cebu Flowerpecker’s beautiful plumage comprises blue, red, yellow, and white. Despite being considered extinct in 1990 owing to habitat loss, the Flowerpecker was rediscovered in 1992. The Flowerpecker can still be found on the isolated Philippine island of Cebu, where its numbers are estimated approximately to be between 60 and 70 individuals.

Scientific NameDicaeum quadricolor
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyDicaeidae
GenusDicaeum
SpeciesD. quadricolor

Hawaiian Monk Seal

The monk seal was originally considered a favourable omen by the ancient Greeks. They now need luck, as commercial hunting has reduced their number to only 250 monk seals globally. The monk seal is one of the world’s rarest—and cutest—creatures.

Scientific NameNeomonachus schauinslandi
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderCarnivora
CladePinnipedia
FamilyPhocidae
GenusNeomonachus
SpeciesN. schauinslandi

Banded Grand-Cuckoo

The Banded ground-cuckoo is endemic to Ecuador. The blue skin surrounding the eyes may expand and shrink. Because of Ecuador’s deforestation, they are now one of the region’s rarest birds, with a population of 600-1,700.

Scientific NameNeomorphus radiolosus
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCuculiformes
FamilyCuculidae
GenusNeomorphus
SpeciesN. radiolosus

Largetooth Sawfish

The largetooth sawfish has a bill that resembles a sideways chainsaw. They may live up to 30 years but are in danger of extinction owing to overfishing. Due to their rarity, no precise population estimates can be determined. Only two nations in the Eastern Atlantic have verified sightings in the last decade.

Scientific NamePristis pristis
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassChondrichthyes
OrderRhinopristiformes
FamilyPristidae
GenusPristis
SpeciesP. pristis

Chinese Giant Salamnder

The Chinese gigantic salamander is one of just three species left worldwide. With a tail over two metres long, it’s little surprise it’s called a giant. Sadly, water contamination and consumption as a delicacy in China threaten the gigantic salamander’s survival. The gigantic salamander is categorised as “very uncommon,” with “few surviving populations.” If you see one, rejoice.

Scientific NameAndrias davidianus
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderUrodela
FamilyCryptobranchidae
GenusAndrias
SpeciesA. davidianus

Chacoan Peccary

The Chacoan peccary is a strange-looking animal with a large snout and a thick covering of bristly hair. Long considered extinct, a population was discovered in western Paraguay in the 1970s. Despite this, habitat loss and exotic illnesses threaten its extinction. There were 3,200 peccaries remaining in 2002, but it was before extensive deforestation, so the population is likely considerably lower now.

Scientific NameCatagonus wagneri
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyTayassuidae
GenusCatagonus
SpeciesC. wagneri

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