The Eight Rarest Animals in the World

By Mark Bottell

Wildlife conservation holidays are a great way to get up close and personal to some of the world's rarest animals. However, if you want to spot an animal that's not often seen in the wild you'll need to travel a long way. Here are a list of the eight rarest animals in the world and where you'll need to go to spot them:

Pinta Island Tortoise

Do you want your wildlife conservation holidays to pay for themselves? If so, head to the Galapagos and attempt to find a female Pinta tortoise. If you succeed, you could be quids in as the government are offering $10,000 to anyone who discovers one. The female is needed for George, a male Pinta tortoise, who is believed to be the sole survivor of the species.

Yangtze River Dolphin

The Yangtze River dolphin is an unusual looking dolphin solely found in China's Yangtze River. China's rapid expansion has seen these dolphins competing for food and now it's believed that there are only ten left in the wild.

The Vancouver Island Marmot

This cute critter is only found in the mountainous regions of Vancouver Island on British Columbia. It is believed that only 30 exist in the wild, but four separate breeding centres on the province contain a further 90 marmots. On your wildlife conservation holidays you can help conservationists reach their ultimate goal; which is to restore a sustainable population of up to 400 marmots.

Seychelles Sheath-Tailed Bat

Wildlife conservation holidays in the Seychelles may seem like a batty idea, but the island is home to the spooky-looking sheath-tailed bat; an animal at severe risk of extinction. The bat can also be found in Madagascar, but between these two lush tropical islands exists no more than 100 bats. Research needs to be undertaken on their behaviour and the long-term goal is to create a sustainable population of 500.

Javan Rhino

You don't expect to see a rhino in Vietnam and Indonesia, but if you look closely you may spot one of the 60 remaining Javan rhinos that make their home in these locations. If you're into rhino conservation you'd be better off taking your wildlife conservation holidays in a South African Game Reserve where your chances of spotting a rhino are greater.

Hispid Hare

The unusual Hispid hare, also known as the bristly rabbit, is found in the foothills of the Himalaya. Deforestation and human settlement have had a negative effect on the species, which was feared extinct in 1964. However, in 1966 the creature was spotted again and it is now believed that 110 remain.

Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat

Downunder in tropical Queensland, you may be lucky enough to spot a northern hairy-nosed wombat, but only if you take a visit to the Epping Forest Station. This national park is the only home of the northern hairy-nosed wombat, which is the rarest marsupial in the world, and only an estimated 113 remain.

Tamaraw

This dwarf water buffalo is only found on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Not much is known about the numbers that remain in the wild and it's thought to be anything from 30 to 200. Although the animal is protected by law, the illegal capture of these species is still carried out.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on wildlife conservation holidays and various adventurous gap years for adults.

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