Five Species Likely to Become Extinct in the Next 40 Years

Location: Panama
Estimated number in wild: One
The big-footed frogs have been devastated by a fungal disease that swept into the area in 2006. Scientists know of only one in the wild, identified by its call. Some live in captivity but have not bred.

Location: Madagascar
Number: 400
Confined to five small, unconnected areas, the tortoises are “nearly certain to go extinct within the next 30 years,” according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. A fragmented habitat limits breeding, and poachers take them for the illegal pet trade.

Location: Kenya-Somalia border
Number: 600
The population has steadily declined because of disease, drought and predators. Cattle farmers have taken over much of the antelope’s habitat, and poaching continues in both countries.

Location: China
Number: Unknown
Scientists declared the dolphin extinct in 2006 after a survey of the Yangtze River failed to yield a single one, but there has since been an unconfirmed sighting. Dams and water pollution have eliminated or damaged the animal’s habitat.

Location: Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Number: 59
They are hunted for “monkey balm,” a traditional medicine. Most surviving langurs are females in isolated groups with little access to males.