FaunaHub

Animal group · Invertebrates

Endangered invertebrates

Invertebrates make up most of animal life but are far less assessed than vertebrates. This selection highlights well-documented examples: reef-building corals, pollinating bumble bees, the migratory monarch, and a tree snail now Extinct in the Wild.

Each record shows its IUCN category and links to authoritative sources such as NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

14 records in this view · last reviewed

Invertebrates are vastly under-assessed relative to their diversity. The records below are well-documented examples, including reef-building corals and pollinators.

Data limitations

  • These are educational summaries, not the official assessment. Conservation status can change as new science and threats emerge.
  • We show the global IUCN Red List category. National and local status can differ from the global category.
  • Each record shows a last-verified date and a data-confidence flag so you can see how current and how checked it is.
  • Always verify the current status on the official IUCN Red List and the relevant national wildlife authority. FaunaHub does not replace conservation authorities.

Dataset last reviewed: Full data methodology →

Invertebrates records

Showing 14 of 14 records

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do corals appear on an endangered-animals list?
Corals are colonial animals, not plants. Reef-building species such as staghorn and elkhorn coral are assessed as Critically Endangered due to warming seas, disease, and acidification.
Is the monarch butterfly endangered?
The migratory monarch subspecies was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2022. The broader species has been assessed separately, so check which entry applies on the official IUCN Red List.
Why are so few invertebrates listed?
Most invertebrate species have never been formally assessed for extinction risk. FaunaHub includes well-documented examples rather than guessing at unassessed species.

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