18 Incredible Species You've Probably Never Heard Of That Risk Extinction In The Next 20 Years

Sometime nature has a few funny surprises up its sleeve! The hooded seal, the denralogue or the okapi, their names may seem a bit strange to you and their appearance even more so! These animals have rather strange forms. Unfortunately, they could all die out in the next 20 years. Since these species are critically threatened, climate change and other human activities could wipe them out.

A painfully sad thought, especially considering how extraordinary these creatures are. The animals listed here all look amazing and sometimes even a bit strange. They live in all corners of the world and don’t resemble any other known species.

In an effort to keep them from falling into oblivion, we've highlighted 18 of these little-known animals worthy of recognition.

Hooded Seal - found only in the North Atlantic, his fellow is known for a bulb which it sports on its head. A victim of heavy hunting, its population has dropped considerably over the last century.

Tree-Kangaroo - this arboreal kangaroo is found exclusively in New Guinea and Queensland. Loss of habitat has seen some species become critically endangered.

Coconut Crab - it is the largest terrestrial arthropod. Found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, it is hunted as a food source in several regions.

Irrawady Dolphin - Recognisable by a large melon and blunt, rounded head, thy live in the rivers of southeast Asia. Confined to dolphinariums, certain populations are in critical danger of extinction.

Okapi - Looking like a cross between giraffes and zebras, this striped legged animal is native to Central Africa. It is on the endangered list due to loss of habitat and poaching.

Kakapo - This nocturnal parrot is endemic to New Zealand. They were once widespread but eh presence of man has resulted in a sharp decline in its population. They are the subject of various backup plans today.

Olm or Proteus - also known as the cave slamander, this amphibian is found only in the caves of the massif mountains of the Balkans. Exceptionally rare and incredibly sensitive to change in its environment, it is considered very vulnerable.

Loris - A small primate with large eyes, the guys are native to the jungles of India and Sri Lanka. Poaching and habitat destruction of habitat have significantly reduced their numbers.

Saiga - This antelope with its characteristic snout lives in the steppes of Europe and Asia. It is deemed critically endangered after experiencing a population collapse during the 20th century.

Dugong - This marine mammal is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Threatened by human activities along the coasts, they are listed as vulnerable.

Bearded Vulture - Found on various continents including Europe, this bird has been a victim of intensive hunting. Reintroductions have helped preserve the species but they still remain vulnerable.

Proboscis monkey - Originally from the forests of Borneo, this monkey is instantly recognisable due to its peculiar nose. They are endangered due to loss of habitat.

Markhor - a very distinct species of wild goat with spiral horns, they are native to Asia and is the national animal of Pakistan. It has seen a significant decline in population and is now a protected species.

Quokka - Famous for their smiling faces this little marsupial is endemic to Australia. They are endangered because of their limited habitat.

Gharial - With their distinct long narrow snouts, their are one of the most recognisable crocodilians in the world. They are victims of hunting and have disappeared from several regions across the Indian Subcontinent.

Gooty Sapphire Tarantula - Recognisable due to its brilliant colours, this spider is endemic to India. Already extremely rare, it is very popular among collectors and is now in critical danger.

Axolotl - This amazing amphibian is endemic to Mexico and are know for theur ability to regenerate organs. They are critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Snub-Nosed Monkey - A native of Asia, this little primate is on the endangered list because of habitat destruction.