A ‘psychedelic’ spider, a highly venomous viper and one of the world’s rarest primates are among some of the animals featured on international conservation charity Fauna & Flora’s 2026 Species to Watch list.
The list highlights some of the most extraordinary (and endangered) species found on Earth and the threats that they face – as well as what is being done to save them.
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Kristian Teleki, CEO of Fauna & Flora, says “The species we share our planet with are truly extraordinary. From the most peculiar of rays, to the majestic falcon, to the tulips we buy in our supermarkets each day, every plant and animal plays a unique and essential role in sustaining life on Earth.
“Our annual Species to Watch list shines a spotlight on the weird and wonderful plants and animals we are working to protect, and on the inspiring people and partners Fauna & Flora works with across the globe to deliver effective conservation action. In challenging times, it stands as a beacon of hope.”
2026 species to watch
European eel
Once common throughout Europe, the UK's population of European eels has plummeted by 95 per cent in the past 25 years. European eels have been recently detected during freshwater monitoring in Georgia (where they haven’t been recorded for some time) and Fauna & Flora will conduct further research into this fish in 2026.
Cao vit gibbon
The cao vit gibbon is named after its call and is the world’s second rarest primate. In fact, it’s so rare that it was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery by Fauna & Flora staff in 2002.
Today, its estimated population is just 74 in a small forest on the border between Vietnam and China. A 2026 census will help verify whether protection and habitat restoration efforts have led to a population increase.
Psychedelic earth tiger (Indian rainbow tarantula)
Also known as the LSD earth tiger, this spider is so-called due to its mesmerising metallic iridescence. Found only in the tropical forests of the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India, it faces threats including habitat loss.
With the support of the Conservation Leadership Programme, a female-led team of spider experts is working to safeguard the future of the Indian rainbow tarantula.
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Utila spiny-tailed iguana
This iguana species is named after the small Honduran island of Utila – the only place where it is found.
It’s strictly confined to mangrove forests and Fauna & Flora are supporting in-country partners to protect and restore the mangrove trees that this animal depends on.
Saint Lucia fer de lance
The Saint Lucia fer de lance is a highly venomous viper with a potentially deadly bite – and can measure close to two metres. However, it isn’t aggressive and only bites when threatened. Fauna & Flora is working to change perceptions of this viper, including how to avoid being bitten.
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Temminck’s pangolin
The pangolin is one of the world’s most trafficked animals. Temminck’s pangolin is also the only one of Africa’s four species found in the relatively arid areas of East and Southern Africa, and as far north as Chad and Sudan.
A crisis clinic is being developed to help the rehabilitation and re-release of rescued and injured pangolins in Mozambique.
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Blackchin guitarfish
While it looks like a bizarre blend of a shark and a ray, the blackchin guitarfish is actually a type of shovelnose ray. Native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, Fauna & Flora and its partners are aiming to halt the ray's decline by strengthening marine protected area networks and reducing mortality from fishing.
Saker falcon
Highly prized by falconers for millennia, this popularity has meant that fewer than 30,000 saker falcons are now left in the wild.
Populations will be monitored this year and data gathering on the local use of raptors in Central Asia will also be carried out to inform conservation strategies.
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Wild tulips
While you’re likely familiar with the bunches of tulips you see in the supermarket, their wild ancestors are actually native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan alone are home to 63 unique species. Overgrazing, trampling by livestock, overharvesting, urbanisation and climate change are the main threats these blooms face.
Clouded leopard
Clouded leopards are found in the forested regions of Southeast Asia and the eastern Himalayas. Their striking coat makes them a target for the illegal wildlife trade, either alive as exotic pets or for their pelts.
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Fauna & Flora is supporting community-led patrols in Cambodia’s Virachey National Park to help combat this.
