| Hugh Wilson, MSN Environment Contributor |  |
Animals that are defying extinction
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There are lots of reasons for animal species becoming extinct, from habitat destruction to hunting or disease.
It is also true that some animals head for the history books much more quickly than others, and with far less help from us. These animals have not been served well by evolution. Even in good times, they lead somewhat fragile lives. When conditions deteriorate, they are quickly brought to the brink of oblivion.
The giant panda is one obvious example, but there are a number of others. These are animals that really should be extinct by now, and would be if it were not for luck or the conservation efforts of man. They are least able to adapt to changing circumstance, and most vulnerable in a changing world.
See the gallery below for a rundown of the animals defying extinction.
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