Endangered animals - species on the brink

The world’s fastest animal is losing the race for survival, according to a new report

Cheetahs have been placed on the endangered list because their numbers have fallen 90% in the past century, becoming extinct in 18 countries where they used to live.

There are now fewer than 10,000 cheetahs in Africa and a meagre 50 in Asia, their numbers having been severely depleted by habitat loss and over-hunting.

These remarkable animals can reach 70mph and cover seven metres in a single sprinting stride. Endearingly, they cannot roar, instead making a bird-like chirping.

Cheetahs were among 21 species given higher protected status this month by the United Nations Environment Programme along with mako and porbeagle sharks, the West African manatee and seven species of dolphin. 

We take a look at a small selection of the world’s most endangered animals – check them out and find out what you can do to help them.