23 Common Pets Are Racing Toward Extinction (But 3 Incredible Success Stories Show the Fight Isn’t Over)

Home Animals 23 Common Pets Are Racing Toward Extinction (But 3 Incredible Success Stories Show the Fight Isn’t Over)

Animals

By Chu E. - June 7, 2025

The world’s most cherished pets—those we welcome into our homes—are facing a quiet crisis. From vibrant birds to gentle reptiles and even some cat and dog breeds, many familiar species are now at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction, emerging diseases, and the illegal wildlife trade have created unprecedented challenges for animals once thought safe in our everyday lives.
Recognizing these threats is crucial. Conservation isn’t just about protecting wild animals—it’s about ensuring our favorite companions thrive for generations to come.

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1. Axolotl

23 Common Pets Are Racing Toward Extinction (But 3 Incredible Success Stories Show the Fight Isn’t Over) — A curious axolotl glides through its aquarium, showcasing the unique charm of this endangered amphibian pet. | Image source: Photo by Yaiol AI on Pexels

The axolotl, a fascinating amphibian from Mexico, captivates pet owners with its unique appearance and remarkable ability to regenerate limbs.
Sadly, wild axolotl populations are now critically endangered due to rampant habitat loss and water pollution in their native lakes.
While they thrive in aquariums worldwide, their survival in the wild is uncertain, making conservation of their natural habitat urgent.
Learn more from National Geographic.

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2. Russian Tortoise

The Russian tortoise is beloved for its manageable size and gentle nature, making it a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, wild populations are in steep decline. Overharvesting for the international pet trade, coupled with shrinking natural habitats, has put this species at risk.
Conservationists urge tighter regulations on collection and export to protect these tortoises in the wild.
See more on the IUCN Red List.

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3. African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot dazzles owners with its extraordinary intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, making it one of the most popular avian pets.
Tragically, wild numbers have plummeted—some regions have seen declines of up to 99%—primarily due to illegal trapping for the pet trade and widespread deforestation.
Now classified as endangered, urgent action is needed to protect this remarkable bird in its natural habitat.
Read more from Audubon.

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4. European Rabbit

The European rabbit may be a familiar sight in homes and farms, but its wild relatives are in trouble.
Disease outbreaks and sweeping habitat changes have caused wild populations to dwindle dramatically.
As a keystone species, their decline threatens numerous other animals and plants across European landscapes.
Find more details on the IUCN Red List.

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5. Fire Salamander

The fire salamander, easily recognized by its striking colors, is a favorite among amphibian keepers.
In the wild, this species faces grave threats from a rapidly spreading fungal disease and ongoing habitat destruction across Europe.
Conservationists are sounding the alarm as populations dwindle, fearing widespread loss if intervention is not swift.
Read more from ScienceNews.

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6. Indian Star Tortoise

The Indian Star Tortoise stands out with its beautiful, star-patterned shell and is a highly sought-after species in the exotic pet market.
Unfortunately, this popularity has fueled rampant illegal collection, pushing wild numbers dangerously low.
Combined with habitat loss, these pressures have led to its recent reclassification as ‘vulnerable’ on the conservation scale.
More from TRAFFIC.

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7. Blue Poison Dart Frog

The blue poison dart frog dazzles amphibian lovers with its electric blue skin and dynamic presence in vivariums.
Despite their popularity, these frogs face a precarious future. Habitat destruction in their native Suriname and ongoing pressure from the illegal pet trade have left wild populations fragmented and vulnerable.
With their natural range so limited, even small environmental changes can have devastating effects on survival.
Learn more from Smithsonian Magazine.

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8. Burmese Python

The Burmese python is a favorite among reptile enthusiasts, but its wild fate is far less secure.
In its native Southeast Asia, this impressive snake faces rapid decline from overharvesting for skins and the pet trade, as well as ongoing habitat loss.
Once abundant, wild populations are now officially considered vulnerable.
See the IUCN Red List entry.

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9. Yellow-Spotted Amazon River Turtle

The yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle is a striking species often found in the exotic pet trade.
In the wild, however, their numbers are dwindling due to rampant egg poaching and ongoing destruction of riverine habitats throughout South America.
Conservation initiatives are now working to safeguard remaining populations, aiming to reverse their decline and ensure this unique turtle’s survival.
Read more from WWF.

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10. Red-Eared Slider

The red-eared slider is a familiar face in aquariums everywhere, but its wild counterparts are increasingly at risk.
Habitat pollution and fierce competition from invasive species are major threats to their natural populations.
To protect local ecosystems, several regions have even restricted or banned the sale of these turtles.
Discover more from the National Park Service.

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11. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is a favorite in classrooms and as a low-maintenance pet.
However, in their native Madagascar, these unique insects face mounting threats from widespread deforestation and over-collection.
Conservation efforts are now focused on preserving the island’s remarkable insect diversity before more species disappear.
See the IUCN Red List for more.

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12. Leopard Gecko

The leopard gecko is celebrated for its gentle temperament and striking patterns, making it a staple among reptile enthusiasts.
However, wild populations across parts of Asia are declining, primarily due to overcollection for the pet trade and significant habitat alterations.
Conservationists are urging the implementation of regulated trade practices to prevent further depletion of natural stocks.
Learn more from Reptiles Magazine.

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13. Sugar Glider

The sugar glider charms pet lovers with its playful antics and gliding abilities, but wild populations are under increasing pressure.
In their native Australia and Indonesia, these small marsupials are losing their forest homes to rapid deforestation and are targeted by illegal trade.
Such threats are pushing local populations into decline, making habitat protection and responsible ownership more important than ever.
Explore more from Australian Museum.

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14. Hermit Crab

The hermit crab is a staple of pet stores and beachside curiosities, yet these resourceful invertebrates face a troubling future in the wild.
Overcollection for the pet trade and pollution have led to shrinking populations and made it harder for crabs to find suitable shells.
This struggle for shelter is a growing concern, highlighting the need for sustainable collection and conservation.
Read more at Smithsonian Ocean.

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15. Syrian Hamster

The Syrian hamster is a beloved companion in households worldwide, but their fate in the wild is far more precarious.
Native to the arid regions of Syria and Turkey, wild populations are now critically endangered due to agricultural expansion and relentless habitat destruction.
Conservationists warn that without urgent action, these iconic small mammals may vanish from their natural habitats entirely.
Learn more at BBC.

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16. Green Iguana

The green iguana is a familiar sight in terrariums and pet stores, but its story in the wild is more complex.
While considered invasive in some countries, native populations in parts of Central and South America are under threat from hunting and widespread habitat loss.
This paradox highlights the need for localized conservation efforts to protect green iguanas where they are truly vulnerable.
See more on the IUCN Red List.

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17. Budgerigar

The budgerigar, or “budgie,” is a staple of home aviaries thanks to its cheerful disposition and vibrant colors.
Yet, in their native Australian grasslands, these small parrots are facing increasing threats from prolonged drought and habitat loss.
Conservationists are now voicing concerns about the future of wild budgerigar populations if environmental pressures persist.
Learn more at BirdLife International.

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While fancy rats are popular, intelligent pets, their wild counterparts—like the European water vole—are in decline.
Habitat loss and increased predation have pushed these wild relatives to the brink in many regions.
Conservation initiatives now prioritize restoring healthy wetlands and riverbanks to help these essential rodents survive.
Learn more from Wildlife Trusts.

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19. Goldfish

The goldfish is a classic symbol of home aquariums, but its wild ancestor, the Prussian carp, faces an uncertain future.
Threats such as water pollution and hybridization with non-native species are eroding wild populations and endangering genetic diversity.
Conservationists are now focused on protecting these ancestral fish and maintaining the rich biodiversity of our freshwater ecosystems.
Read more at The Guardian.

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20. Ferret

The domesticated ferret is a playful and curious pet, but its wild relative—the black-footed ferret—has faced a far more perilous journey.
Once declared extinct in the wild, small populations have been reintroduced, though they remain critically endangered.
Ongoing conservation programs are essential for their survival, focusing on habitat protection and disease management.
Learn more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

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21. Red Panda

The red panda enchants animal lovers with its striking appearance, but sadly, it remains a target for the illegal exotic pet trade despite strict bans.
In the wild, red panda populations are endangered, suffering from relentless poaching and severe habitat fragmentation throughout their native forests in Asia.
Conservation organizations are dedicated to protecting these unique animals and preserving the fragile ecosystems they call home.
Read more from WWF.

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22. African Pygmy Hedgehog

The African pygmy hedgehog has become a cherished companion in the world of exotic pets.
Yet, its wild populations are shrinking as a result of habitat loss and heavy collection for the pet trade.
Conservationists strongly advocate for sustainable harvesting and captive breeding programs to ensure this charming species continues to thrive both in the wild and in our homes.
More on the IUCN Red List.

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23. Asian Arowana

The Asian arowana, often called the “dragon fish,” is one of the most sought-after species in the aquarium trade for its beauty and symbolism.
However, wild populations are now critically endangered due to relentless overfishing and widespread habitat destruction across Southeast Asia.
International trade of this species is tightly regulated under CITES, but illegal collection persists.
Read more at National Geographic.

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Conservation Success Story 1: Black-Footed Ferret Recovery

The black-footed ferret stands as a powerful testament to what determined conservation efforts can achieve.
Once thought extinct in the wild, this rare species staged an inspiring comeback through strategic captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Their recovery is proof that, with collaboration and science, even those on the brink can be saved. This remarkable success offers hope for other endangered pets worldwide.
Read the full story at Smithsonian Magazine.

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Conservation Success Story 2: Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a shining example of conservation success in North America.
Once on the brink of extinction due to pesticide use and habitat loss, bold measures—including pesticide bans and strong legal protections—enabled their populations to rebound dramatically.
The bald eagle’s recovery is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when science, legislation, and public support align.
Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

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Conservation Success Story 3: European Bison

The European bison, Europe’s largest land mammal, once disappeared from the wild altogether.
Through coordinated international conservation efforts—including captive breeding and carefully managed reintroductions—these majestic animals have made an inspiring return to forests across the continent.
The European bison’s story is a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration and the resilience of nature when given a chance.
Learn more from WWF.

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Protecting Our Pets and Their Wild Relatives

The stories of these at-risk household pets reveal just how vulnerable even our most familiar companions can be.
Conservation and responsible pet ownership are vital—by supporting organizations that safeguard endangered species and making ethical choices as pet owners, we each play a part in their survival.
Small actions, from choosing pets responsibly to advocating for wildlife protection, can make a lasting impact.
Together, we can help ensure these beloved animals remain part of our world for generations to come.

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