Written and designed by Gwynn Goodner

Our Threatened and Endangered Species Needlepoint Ornament Collection highlights some of the rarest and most beautiful creatures on the planet. This offering features animals that are on the brink of extinction, with a goal of raising awareness and funds toward their preservation and conservation. Every purchase of a needlepoint ornament canvas from this collection will have a portion of the proceeds donated to wildlife foundations to ensure that these amazing animals are here for future generations. 

Amur Leopard Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 12 colors

The Amur Leopard is one of the most critically endangered species on the planet, with as few as 110 individuals alive in the wild. Native to Southeastern Russia and Northern China, this beautiful big cat has been driven to near extinction by fires lit to clear its forest habitat for agriculture and grazing. It can be distinguished from other leopard species by its thick, luxuriant coat, useful in its chilly habitat.

Whooping Crane Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 10 colors

Whooping Cranes are North America’s tallest bird and were driven to near extinction by 1941 when the population was reduced to a mere 23 specimens. This magnificent species, noted for its red crest and black wing tips has had a slow rebound to 800 birds with the careful breeding and conservation programs. Migration routes range from Mexico and southern Florida to Canada.

Siberian Tiger Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 16 colors

The Siberian Tiger, unlike its tropical cousins, is at home in the deep snows of far Eastern Russia and Northern China. This apex predator requires a large territory to survive in the wild. Development and governments turning a blind eye to illegal deforestation and poaching, have led to a small population of roughly about 520 survivors.

Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 14 colors

Although many sea turtles are threatened or endangered, few are as rare as the Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (also known as the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle). The precise number of individuals left in the wild is unknown, but this small sea turtle has been listed as critically endangered since 1970. Most of these aquatic reptiles are found in the Gulf of Mexico where there is a single beach that acts as the nursery for nearly the entire species.

Gray Wolf Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 12 colors

Though not as critically at risk as it once was, the Gray Wolf remains a threatened species and is protected in most of its widespread range throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The Gray Wolf lives in close social groups where they are at an advantage in hunting large prey in packs. Wolf populations have been on a significant rise in recent decades and now are part of a healthy ecosystem in many countries.

Giant Panda Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 11 colors

The cuddly, lovable Giant Panda has become the flagship species for animal conservation and a symbol for ecology worldwide. Native to only a few mountain ranges in China, the Giant Panda has had a successful recovery from the brink of extinction. Careful breeding programs and strict protection of habitat have allowed wild populations to grow to an estimated 3,000 individuals.

Orca Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 15 colors

The Orca is not a whale, rather the largest of oceanic dolphin species. Its distinctive black and white markings and remarkable intelligence has made it one of the world’s most recognizable marine mammals. In spite of its worldwide distribution, pollution, overfishing and prey depletion have led to its threatened status in North America. Orcas are never threats to humans in the wild and they live in the most stable social groups of any animal alive.

Polar Bear Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 15 colors

The Polar Bear is the land largest carnivore on the planet, with large males often exceeding 1,500 pounds. Though this native was once common to the entire Arctic Circle, their population has been greatly reduced in the last few decades by global warming. Polar Bears are born on land, but spend most of their lives on sea ice where they hunt. Melting sea ice has caused many bears to die of starvation and future warming may reduce the wild population further in coming decades. 

Hawaiian Monk Seal Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ x 5″ on 18 mesh canvas, using 9 colors

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a critically endangered species with populations dwindling to about 1100 animals. Intense hunting in the 19^th century lead to its initial decline, with island development and accidental capture in fishing nets further reducing the number. Fortunately Hawaiian state law has favored the animals, and beaches are cleared if this shy seal visits to sunbathe or nurse pups. 

These hand stitched ornaments will be treasured by your family for years to come. We offer an ornament finishing service for your completed canvases, and would love to help with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch your favorite design or the entire collection!