The International Union for the Conservation of Nature released its annual update to its "Red List" of endangered species this week. While some iconic species saw inspiring improvements, others incited dire warnings. Here's a round-up of some of the biggest changes:
The Okapi, a giraffe-like mammal native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is now ranked as endangered, thanks to habitat loss, and the presence of rebels, elephant poachers and illegal miners.
A small bird found in Ethiopia called the White-winged Flufftail is now listed as critically endangered, due to habitat loss and degradation.
There is some good news, though -- the Leatherback Turtle is doing slightly better, though not in all areas.
And the Island Fox, too, is showing signs of recovery.
Two kinds of albatross -- the Black-browed Albatross and Black-footed Albatross are now less vulnerable to extinction as well.
