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According to The Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment the top ten species identified as critically endangered and facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild are:
- Black rhinoceros - arid ecotype Diceros bicornis bicornis
- De Winton’s golden mole Cryptochloris wintoni
- Juliana’s golden mole Neamblysomus julianae (Pretoria subpopn.)
- Ongoye red squirrel Paraxerus palliatus ornatus
- Rendall’s serotine bat Neoromicia rendalli
- Riverine rabbit Bunolagus monticularis
- Rough-haired golden mole Chrysospalax villosus
- Short-eared trident bat Cloeotis percivali
- Van Zyl’s golden mole Cryptochloris zyli Visagie’s golden mole Chrysochloris visagiei
Did you know? Juliana’s Golden MoleBronberg Ridge - Juliana’s golden mole, the third most critically endangered mammal species in South Africa, is found on the north-eastern slope of the 20km long Bronberg Ridge in Eastern Pre toria. One of only three populations of this species in the entire world, Juliana’s golden mole is severely threatened by nearby up-market real estate development, roads, and an open-cast quartzite quarry on Bronberg Ridge. Some genetic work done on the population of Juliana’s golden mole found in the Kruger National Park has indicated that it may be a separate species. If this is the case, the golden moles on Bronberg Ridge will be in even more grave danger of extinction. Growing on the ridge is also an endemic plant species, Ceropegia decidua subsp Pretoriensis, which is also critically endangered. | 
