* The list is constantly changing: New species are being discovered and evaluated, and the conservation status of existing species changes as populations fluctuate and threats evolve.
* Data is incomplete: Not all species have been thoroughly studied, and there are significant gaps in our knowledge about their populations and threats.
* Defining "endangered" can vary: Different organizations use slightly different criteria for classifying species as endangered, vulnerable, or critically endangered.
However, we can look at some figures:
* IUCN Red List: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is considered the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. As of 2023, the IUCN Red List has assessed over 147,000 species, of which over 41,000 are classified as threatened with extinction, including endangered, vulnerable, and critically endangered.
* Other estimates: Some sources estimate that up to 1 million species are threatened with extinction, based on the rate of habitat loss and other threats.
Important note: It's important to remember that these figures are estimates and represent a snapshot in time. The number of endangered animals is likely much higher than what is currently known, and the situation is constantly evolving.