EDGE rank 22. Slender loris (Loris tardigradus)

The slender loris has extremely thin arms and legs. Its face is dominated by huge round eyes which give it excellent night vision and enable it to hunt for insects during the night. Populations of this small primate are declining because their forest habitats are being destroyed for logging, agriculture and development. The animals are also hunted for their meat and body parts which are used in traditional folk medicine. This image is of a baby Slender Loris.

EDGE rank 12. Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

The largest land mammal in Asia, this intelligent, highly social animal lives in small groups led by the dominant female, or 'matriarch’. The elephant play a crucial role in its forest ecosystem. Commonly referred to as a ‘keystone’ species, it helps to open up forest clearings and distributes the seeds of trees and shrubs. Threatened by poaching and the destruction of the forests in which they live, these magnificent animals are increasingly coming into conflict with the people sharing their habitat. Effective management of the species and its environment is required in order to resolve these issues.

Asian Elephants can be seen at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

EDGE rank 95. Malagasy giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena)

This rabbit-like mammal is the largest rodent in Madagascar. It has long pointed ears and long hind feet which are used for jumping. The species occupies a niche which is filled by rabbits in other parts of the world. Unusually for rodents, the Malagasy giant rat is monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds. Since females only have one or two offspring per year, the species does not have the potential for rapid population growth characteristic of many other rodents. It is therefore particularly vulnerable to predation by dogs, and the habitat loss and fragmentation that is occurring throughout its range.

Malagasy Giant Jumping Rats can be seen at London Zoo

EDGE rank 16. Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

The highly distinctive aye-aye is the world’s largest nocturnal primate. It has a number of extreme morphological adaptations to its unusual feeding habits, making it one of the most bizarre-looking animals on the planet. The species is sometimes referred to as Madagascar’s answer to the woodpecker, due to its ability to detect and rip out grubs from hollow branches. Like other Malagasy lemurs the aye-aye is at risk from the destruction of its forest home for agriculture and development. Local superstitious beliefs have also played a role in its decline, as it is regarded as an evil omen in many areas and killed upon sight.

Aye Aye can be seen at London Zoo

EDGE rank 8. Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus)

Fewer than 1,000 of these two-humped camels survive today in one of the most hostile regions on earth.

Domesticated Bactrian Camel can be seen at London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

EDGE rank 54. Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)

Leadbeater’s possum is a small arboreal marsupial that was believed to be extinct following major forest fires throughout its habitat in 1939. Rediscovered in 1961, this possum is the only marsupial endemic to Victoria, and has been adopted as one of the state's two faunal emblems

EDGE rank 291. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)

Sloth Bears can be seen at London Zoo

EDGE rank 22. Slender loris (Loris tardigradus)

21. Pygmy hippopotamus (Hexaprotodon liberiensis)

The name hippopotamus derives from the Greek for 'river horse', and is a particularly apt description for the pygmy hippo, which spends much of its time resting in rivers or swamps. The species has a severely fragmented distribution and is under increasing pressure from logging, farming and human settlement. The small isolated Nigerian population is thought to be extinct. There have been no confirmed reports of this distinct subspecies for decades, although unofficial reports from local people provide some encouragement that they may still exist

Pygmy Hippo can be seen at London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

EDGE rank 256. Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta)

Ring-tailed lemur can be seen at London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

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