Tanzania's Endangered Species — The Rare & The Disappearing

The black rhino is one of Africa's most endangered large mammals. Poaching reduced Tanzania's population from thousands to fewer than 100 by the 1990s. Intensive protection and reintroduction programs have slowly rebuilt numbers.

• Where: Ngorongoro Crater (most reliable), Serengeti (reintroduced), Mkomazi (sanctuary)
• Population: ~150-200 in Tanzania
• Status: Critically endangered

Seeing a black rhino in Ngorongoro is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for most safari-goers. They are shy, solitary, and increasingly rare.

With fewer than 6,700 left in the world, the African wild dog is Africa's second-most endangered carnivore. Tanzania holds one of the strongest populations, particularly in the south.

• Where: Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Serengeti
• Population: ~1,300 in Tanzania
• Status: Endangered

Wild dogs are thrilling to watch — they are the most successful hunters in Africa, with an 80% kill rate. Their social structure is unique and fascinating.

The pangolin is the world's most trafficked mammal — hunted for its scales, which are erroneously believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures. It is also one of the hardest animals to see on safari.

• Where: Rarely seen anywhere. Most likely in Serengeti and Ruaha at night
• Population: Unknown but declining rapidly
• Status: Critically endangered

If you see a pangolin, you are among the luckiest safari-goers alive.

• Chimpanzee — Endangered. Mahale and Gombe hold Tanzania's only populations.
• Cheetah — Vulnerable. Only ~7,000 left in Africa. Tanzania holds a significant population.
• Elephant — Vulnerable. Poaching reduced numbers, but Tanzania still holds 60,000+ — one of Africa's largest populations.
• Lion — Vulnerable. Tanzania holds 14,000+ lions, roughly 20% of Africa's total.
• Hirola — Critically endangered antelope. Only in a small area near the Kenya border.

Park entrance fees fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and community programs. By visiting Tanzania, you are directly contributing to the survival of these species.

Read our conservation guide or plan a conservation-focused safari with us.