<img class="styles__noscript__2rw2y" src="https://dsx.weather.com//util/image/w/geometric-tortoise.jpg?v=at&w=485&h=273&api=7db9fe61-7414-47b5-9871-e17d87b8b6a0" srcset="https://dsx.weather.com//util/image/w/geometric-tortoise.jpg?v=at&w=485&h=273&api=7db9fe61-7414-47b5-9871-e17d87b8b6a0 400w, https://dsx.weather.com//util/image/w/geometric-tortoise.jpg?v=ap&w=980&h=551&api=7db9fe61-7414-47b5-9871-e17d87b8b6a0 800w" > 1 of 16 Geometric Tortoise The IUCN reclassified the Geometric Tortoise as "critically endangered" this year. With constant threats to their habitat from agricultural development and human settlement, the survival of the species has been significantly threatened. (Turtle Conservancy)

Wolves, sea mammals, reptiles and birds were among the many endangered animals listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species in 2015.

Although there have been thousands of new species sightings this year, environmental pressures such as deforestation, pollution, climate change and unsustainable hunting practices continue to decimate many different animal populations. In fact, scientists estimate that between 100 to 10,000 species go extinct every year.

With heightened scrutiny over animal deaths (especially the killing of Cecil the lion) becoming major discussion topics in the news, people became much more mindful of species protection in 2015. Here are just a few of the animals that were deemed endangered this year.

Geometric Tortoise

The International Union for Conservation of Nature reclassified the Geometric Tortoise as "critically endangered" in 2015 following major destruction to their South African habitat from agricultural expansion, human settlement and climate change. The Turtle Conservancy, a tortoise research and conservation group, has attempted to save the species by purchasing the remaining area of its habitat and creating a protected preserve.

Splendid Toadfish

The IUCN cataloged the Splendid Toadfish as endangered this year, noting its threatened status was heightened by tourism and overfishing. The mud-dwelling fish, which lives in the waters of Cozumel and Belize, has compounded habitat problems with the decreases of coral reefs, and faces an uphill battle to recovery.

Great Green Macaw/Military Macaw

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed both the great green macaw and the military macaw as endangered in an announcement made in October. According to the agency, "(We) found that both species are in decline, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, small population size and poaching."

Mexican Wolf

The USFWS declared the Mexican Wolf as an endangered species earlier this year. With overhunting exhausting their populations, the Mexican Wolf was very nearly completely wiped out 40 years ago. Prior to their shift in status this year, the government previously classified the Mexican Wolf as a “nonessential experimental population.” But with the major turnabout this year, the FWS announcement awards them a new set of protections to "further the conservation of one of the nation’s rarest mammals."



Honduran Emerald Hummingbird

The USFWS announced it was adding the Honduran hummingbird to the endangered species list this year. The bird's population has faced pressures from expansion of cattle ranching and other human-related changes, and has dwindled to an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 breeding pairs. While the U.S. government can't regulate the hummingbird's protection in Honduras, the new listing allows federal officials to prosecute anyone attempting to smuggle the species across the border.

Sawfish

The USFWS placed several species of sawfish to the endangered species list this year. The sawfish has been significantly hurt by overfishing and negative human factors. Most troubling, the disappearance of the sawfish was nearly overlooked because scientists didn't think they could survive in cold waters. “The loss of marine species, even charismatic ones such as sawfish, can go unnoticed,” marine scientist Fiorenza Micheli said in a recent sawfish press release.



Slevin's Skink Lizard

The USFWS announced in September that the Slevin's skink would be added to the endangered species list. The diminutive lizard, found in the Mariana Islands, faces continued threats by human disruption and climate change. Its population scarcity prompted the USFWS to declare it endangered this year. Previously, the species was eradicated from the island of Guam after the introduction by humans of the Brown Tree Snake in the 1940s.

New Zealand Sea Lion

The IUCN declared the New Zealand Sea Lion to be endangered primarily due to "fishing-related mortality." With a population of around 10,000, it is one of the rarest sea lion species in existence. It faces additional threats from disease and food limitations from climate change and other factors.

White Headed Vulture

The IUCN raised the status of the White Headed Vulture from threatened to critically endangered in 2015. With threats from humans in Africa due to poisonings and negative human persecution, its populations have continued to steeply dwindle.



Narrow-striped Mongoose AKA Bokiboky

The IUCN listed the bokiboky as endangered this year. The small Madagascan mammal has been negatively impacted by logging, hunting and a variety of other environmental factors.

Steppe Eagle

The IUCN flagged the Steppe Eagle as endangered this year, prompted by huge changes in the bird's environment. Previously, the eagle had healthy populations, but after disruptions in its habitat from expanded agricultural development and a veterinary drug with widespread toxic effects on the ecosystem, the eagle's numbers have sharply declined.

Ishikawa's Frog

The IUCN deemed the Ishikawa's Frog as an endangered species this year. The Japanese amphibian is in "serious decline" due to losing a majority of its home from dam and road construction.



Kissing Loach

The IUCN classified the the ayumodoki or Kissing Loach, as critically endangered this year, noting its shrinking populations due to development which are replacing its rice paddy habitat. With only 800 fish left, the species is on the brink of extinction and a new construction project puts their continued long-term viability at risk.



Mahé Boulder Cricket

The IUCN once feared the Mahé Boulder Cricket to be extinct, but after a recent rediscovery, it reclassified it as critically endangered. Found in caves on the cloud forest island of Mahé in the Seychelle, the insect has struggled to thrive on the island due to habitat loss from deforestation and development.

Giri Butri Cave Crab

The IUCN added the Giri Butri Cave Crab to its critically endangered list with significant pressures from religious tourism. Endemic to a single cave in Bali, the little crab's habitat is a popular pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus.

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