Wildlife expert shares which holiday destinations have the highest numbers of threatened species
Key Findings:
- New study reveals which countries have the highest number of endangered species
- Madagascar tops the list with 3,915 endangered species, while Ecuador and Indonesia follow with 2,756 and 2,699 respectively
- Plants make up the majority of endangered species in most countries, with Madagascar alone housing nearly 3,000 threatened plant species
Holiday destinations are often chosen for their natural beauty and wildlife, but most travellers may be unaware that some of the world’s most popular spots are home to thousands of endangered species fighting for survival.
As travellers plan their summer getaways, wildlife enthusiasts might want to consider which destinations offer opportunities to support conservation efforts while enjoying nature’s wonders.
“Understanding which countries have the highest numbers of endangered species can help raise awareness about conservation needs,” explains Doug O’Connor, wildlife expert at DeerFencing.com, a company specialising in wildlife management solutions with over 30 years of experience.
To highlight this issue, DeerFencing.com analysed data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which tracks endangered species worldwide. The study compiled data on vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish), invertebrates, plants, and fungi to determine which countries face the greatest conservation challenges.
Table: The Top 10 Countries with the Most Endangered Species
| Rank | Country | Total Species |
| 1 | Madagascar | 3,915 |
| 2 | Ecuador | 2,756 |
| 3 | Indonesia | 2,699 |
| 4 | Mexico | 2,624 |
| 5 | Brazil | 2,497 |
| 6 | Malaysia | 2,306 |
| 7 | United States | 2,048 |
| 8 | Australia | 1,925 |
| 9 | Philippines | 1,903 |
| 10 | Colombia | 1,847 |
1. Madagascar: The Endangered Species Capital
Madagascar ranks first with a staggering 3,915 endangered species. This African island nation, known for its incredible biodiversity, has 2,981 endangered plant species alone, representing over 76% of its total endangered species. Among vertebrates, Madagascar’s 147 amphibian and 139 reptile species face serious threats to their survival.
“Madagascar’s isolation has created unique ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth,” says O’Connor. “Unfortunately, this uniqueness also makes its wildlife particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.”
Travellers visiting Madagascar can support local conservation efforts that help protect these rare species.
2. Ecuador: Small Country, Big Conservation Challenges
Ecuador ranks second with 2,756 endangered species despite its relatively small size. The South American nation is home to 2,074 endangered plant species and 595 threatened vertebrates. Notably, Ecuador has 292 amphibian species at risk, the highest in this category among all countries in the top five.
“Ecuador’s diverse habitats, from the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon rainforest, harbour incredible biodiversity,” O’Connor explains. “The high number of endangered amphibians is particularly concerning as these species often serve as indicators of ecosystem health.”
3. Indonesia: Archipelago of Endangered Species
With 2,699 endangered species spread across its thousands of islands, Indonesia ranks third on the list. The country has the highest number of endangered fish species (373) among the top five countries, reflecting the threats facing its rich marine ecosystems.
“Indonesia’s position spanning multiple biodiversity hotspots makes it a priority for conservation,” notes O’Connor.
The country’s marine life is particularly affected by unsustainable fishing practices and coral reef degradation, issues that responsible tourism can help address.
4. Mexico: Conservation Crossroads
Mexico’s 2,624 endangered species earn it the fourth spot. With 1,629 endangered plant species and 815 threatened vertebrates, Mexico’s biodiversity faces pressure from various fronts. The country has 306 fish species at risk, highlighting the challenges facing both its freshwater and marine ecosystems.
“Mexico’s position between North and South America creates incredibly diverse habitats,” says O’Connor.
Visitors to Mexico can make a difference by supporting eco-friendly tours that contribute to conservation efforts.
5. Brazil: Amazon Under Threat
Brazil rounds out the top five with 2,497 endangered species. The country has the highest number of endangered vertebrates (970) in the study, including 441 fish species at risk. Despite its conservation challenges, Brazil is making efforts to protect its unique ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest.
“Brazil’s size and diverse landscapes make it a biodiversity superpower, but also present massive conservation challenges,” O’Connor points out.
The high number of endangered fish species reflects the pressures on the Amazon River system, one of the world’s most important freshwater ecosystems.
Doug O’Connor, wildlife expert at DeerFencing.com, commented:
“The concentration of endangered species in tropical countries shown in our findings reveals where conservation efforts are most urgently needed. These biodiversity hotspots face mounting pressures from development, climate change, and resource extraction.
“What’s particularly concerning is how plant species dominate these numbers, often overlooked compared to charismatic mammals and birds. Yet these plants form the foundation of entire ecosystems.
“Everyone can contribute to protecting these species through supporting responsible ecotourism, choosing wildlife-friendly products, or spreading awareness. Small actions can make meaningful differences in preserving our planet’s incredible wildlife for future generations.”
ENDS
Credit
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About DeerFencing.com
DeerFencing.com specialises in providing high-quality, nearly invisible deer fencing solutions designed to effectively exclude or contain deer. They offer a range of products including poly and metal deer fences, complete fence kits, gates, posts, and accessories catering to both residential and commercial needs. They assist customers in selecting the appropriate fencing materials for their specific projects with over 30 years experience.
Methodology
This analysis is based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. The study compiled and analysed data on endangered species across various categories:
- Vertebrates: includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes
- Invertebrates: includes molluscs and other invertebrate species
- Plants: includes all endangered plant species
- Fungi: includes all endangered fungi species
Each species was counted only once, even if it may have multiple scientific names. The totals for each country represent the sum of all endangered species recorded in the IUCN Red List up to 2024.
Data was sourced from the IUCN Red List statistics (https://www.iucnredlist.org/statistics), specifically Table 5, which provides country-level data on threatened species.
Countries were ranked based on their total number of endangered species across all categories. The analysis reveals which countries face the greatest conservation challenges in terms of the sheer number of species at risk.
Full dataset available on request.
