The Newly Endangered Species List 2012

BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER

Why They're at Risk: This bird of the northwest United States is seeking an official endangered status from the national government. The woodpecker is quickly losing its habitat due to forest fires, logging companies and deforestation. 

Human Helpers: Earth's Island Institute

SIAU ISLAND TAPIR

Why They're at Risk: This big-eyed cutie can only be found on a single island in Indonesia. Unfortunately, that island is home to volcanoes and bush-meat hunters, both of which have decimated the tapir's population. (National Geographic)

Human Helpers: Tapir Specialist Group

BOG TURTLE

Why They're at Risk: Officially endangered in New York and Massachusetts, this turtle is the smallest turtle species in the U.S. Sadly, its numbers are getting smaller as well. Conservationists blame the illegal pet trade and development in the marshes the bog turtle calls home. It is also believed that a mysterious illness is affecting these animals. (Live Science)

Human Helpers: Wildlife Conservation Society 

SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE

Why They're at Risk: The southern right whale's decline can be directly linked to Australia's whaling industry. The animals have been slaughtered for commercial purposes since the 1930s. Today, researchers believe there may be fewer than 100 of these whales left. (DPIW)

Human Helpers: Save the Whales

NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL 

Why They're at Risk: Pennsylvania recently declared the northern flying squirrel endangered after noticing its population was far behind the southern flying squirrel (also native). The northern squirrels are at risks because development is killing the plants that make up their limited diet. (Post Gazette)

Human Helpers: URWA

ATLANTIC STURGEON 

Why They're at Risk: One of the world's oldest fish, the sturgeon has been under limited protection since the 1980s. Still, poor water quality and dams continue to drastically affect the fish's population. With federal protection, conservationists hope to guard more of the sturgeon's habitat. (SoMdNews)

Human Helpers: North Carolina Coastal Federation

NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAIL RABBIT 

Why They're at Risk: Though rabbits are known as prolific breeders, the New England cottontail rabbit cannot keep up with its habitat loss. The animal is being forced out of its usual areas by development and is becoming startlingly hard to find. (University of New Hampshire)

Human Helpers: Roger Williams Zoo

ALASKAN ICE SEALS

Why They're at Risk: The decline in both the Arctic ringed seal and Beringia DPS bearded seal's numbers are causing alarm. Due to hunting and vanishing sea ice, these seals are vanishing. Researchers say if action is not taken now, these animals won't be able to be saved. (Alaska Dispatch)

Human Helpers: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE

Why They're at Risk: Many would not think of rattlesnake as a tasty treat, but enough people do. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, which is the longest snake in the U.S., is severely threatened due to a rising number of people killing the creature for its meat and skin. (Red Orbit)

Human Helpers: Center For Biological Diversity

DWARF SEAHORSE

Why They're at Risk: For such a little guy, the poor dwarf seahorse has a lot of people after it. The aquatic creature is in need of protection because it is hunted by humans for aquariums and medicine. Additionally, the seahorse is also being eaten by a variety of invasive species. (Pet Products News)

Human Helpers: Center for Biological Diversity

MIAMI BLUE BUTTERFLY

Why They're at Risk: These fragile creatures have had to deal with some not-so-nice elements. Originally, pesticides meant for mosquitoes reeked havoc on the Miami Blue's numbers, but currently the creature's biggest threat is the hurricanes that hit their habitat. 

Human Helpers: North American Butterfly Association

VENCES' CHAMELEON

Why They're at Risk: Limited to a small area of Madagascar, this chameleon is highly dependent on its limited habitat. Unfortunately, as the area develops and more humans use the forest, the chameleon is losing more and more of its already tiny living space. (IUCN Redlist)

Human Helpers: ARKive