Gallery: 8 Most Overlooked Endangered Species Candidates
01altamahaspinymussel
Think of endangered species, and you probably think of Florida panthers or blue whales or California golden condors -- big, charismatic animals that easily move the heart. But endangered species can be small, odd and unappealing, too. These animals are no less special; they're still one-of-a kind works of evolutionary art, sculpted over millions of years. On the following pages are some of the animals that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided this year to consider for endangered status. Many steps remain in their bureaucratic journey to protection, which can take years, even decades, and may end with a decision that they're not endangered. They could also suffer the fate of the Gunnison Sage Grouse, which the USFWS said last month that [it ought to protect, but couldn't](http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kunc/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1705817/Regional/Gunnison.Sage.Grouse.Denied.Federal.Protections), because it didn't have the resources. The federal government spends just $140 million for all Endangered Species Act-related activities. But a few animals, like the [Ozark Hellbender](http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/esday/MOOZHE.html) salmander or the [Altamaha spinymussel](http://www.altamahariverkeeper.org/wildlife/spiney_mussel.asp) (above), declared endangered earlier this month, will get lucky. Hopefully all these other animals will, too. *Image: Matthew Niemiller, University of Tennessee*
02berrycavesalamander
The Berry Cave salamander is found only in five caves around Knoxville, Tennessee, where its last few homes are threatened by a [golf course and highway overpass](http://exitstageright.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/berry-cave-salamander-faces-extinction-victim-of-parkway/). *Image: Matthew Niemiller, University of Tennessee*
03scarlethoneycreeper
Though non-native predators and human fashion fancies have killed off many other members of its spectacularly diversified family, the [Hawaiian Scarlet Honeycreeper](http://www.arkive.org/iiwi/vestiaria-coccinea/) still survives on four Hawaiian islands. *Image: Wikimedia Commons*
04mohave-ground-squirrel
Endangered protection is sometimes extended to subspecies rather than species. Many subspecies of salmon, for example, fit this bill. Their loss is potentially tragic, but to a lesser degree than losing an entire species. The [Mohave Ground Squirrel](http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/mohave_ground_squirrel.php), however, is a singular representative of its kind, cleverly adapted to its Mojave desert habitat: when it's especially dry, it waits for rain to mate. *Image: County of San Bernardino Department of Public Works.*
05texaskangaroorat
The [Texas Kangaroo Rat](http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/dipoelat.htm) lives in north-central Texas in burrows at the base of fast-disappearing mesquite bushes. *Image: Texas Parks and Wildlife.*
06sunfishspringpygmy
The [Spring Pygmy Sunfish](http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/other/pygmy/spring/) is found only in a five mile stretch of northern Alabama's Beaverdam creek. A second population established in the mid-1980s by local landowners and state biologists was the victim of herbicide runoff; a [sewer line](http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/save-the-spring-pygmy-sunfish-from-extinction/) being constructed by the city of Huntsville threatens the remaining fish. *Image: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.*
07goldenwingedwarbler
Once found throughout the eastern United States, the open- field-loving [Golden-winged warbler](http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/save-the-spring-pygmy-sunfish-from-extinction/) actually benefited from deforestation. The return of woodlands threatens its habitat, and the Blue-winged warbler is also crowding it out. *South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.*
08gull-billed-tern
Unfortunately for the [western Gull-Billed Tern](http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/western_gull-billed_tern/index.html), its diet includes the threatened [western snowy plover](http://www.westernsnowyplover.org/). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service even considered destroying tern eggs laid at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, but ultimately decided against it. *Image: Wikimedia Commons*
09giantpalouseearthworm
During the Bush administration, the [Giant Palouse Earthworm](http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/invertebrates/giant_Palouse_earthworm/) was caught in a conservationist's Catch-22. Until one was uncovered in 2005, it was thought to be extinct; once it was found, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that, because it was so rare, too little was known to declare it endangered. More [worms have been found](http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126312580), and that mystifying decision has been reconsidered. *Image: Yaniria Sanchez-de Leon, University of Idaho.*
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
These Are the Essential MacBook Accessories Everyone Needs
From charging adapters to external monitors, I’ve gathered the absolute best peripherals for your MacBook.
Luke Larsen
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures.
Simon Hill
The Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on Things
Keep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.
Louryn Strampe
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
These Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your Workstation
Take your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.
Nicole Kinning