Lesotho

41 threatened species · Biodiversity Intelligence Dashboard

Threatened Species

41

CR + EN + VU

Critically Endangered

5

Highest risk

Endangered

14

Very high risk

Vulnerable

22

High risk

Declining

46%

19 species

Category Breakdown
CR 5
EN 14
VU 22
CR: 5
EN: 14
VU: 22

Critically Endangered

512%

Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered

1434%

Very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable

2254%

High risk of extinction in the wild.

Threatened total — 41 species

Species by Group
🐾

mammals

5

5 threatened

🐦

birds

12

12 threatened

🐢

reptiles

1

1 threatened

🐟

fishes

2

2 threatened

🦗

insects

7

7 threatened

🌱

plants

13

13 threatened

Global Share

0.08%

of globally threatened species

Country Rank

#222

of 277 countries

Endemic Threatened

4

Found only here

Top Threats
1.Livestock farming & ranching16 species
2.Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals13 species
3.Annual & perennial non-timber crops13 species
4.Habitat shifting & alteration12 species
5.Housing & urban areas10 species
6.Logging & wood harvesting9 species
7.Fire & fire suppression7 species
8.Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases7 species

How to Cite

IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS

GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org

This page: SpeciesRadar (2026). Lesotho: Biodiversity Dashboard. SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/countries/LS

Species counts reflect IUCN Red List threatened categories (CR, EN, VU). · Full citation guide & data usage terms

Frequently asked questions

How many threatened species are in Lesotho?
Lesotho has 41 threatened species recorded in the SpeciesRadar database — 5 of those are Critically Endangered (CR), facing an extremely high risk of extinction. The figures combine IUCN Red List data with national red list assessments where available.
What is the most endangered species in Lesotho?
Among the 5 Critically Endangered species in Lesotho, Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is one of the most at-risk — featured prominently on the country dashboard. The full list of CR species is filterable on the country page.
What protected areas exist in Lesotho?
Protected area coverage for Lesotho is summarised on the country dashboard, drawing on the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and national park designations.