Why are critically endangered animals worse than vulnerable animals?

Critically endangered animals are not necessarily worse than vulnerable animals. Both categories represent different levels of threat to a species' survival, but they do not imply a value judgment about the animals themselves. Critically endangered species are those facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, while vulnerable species are considered to be at high risk of becoming critically endangered if their populations continue to decline. Both categories deserve conservation efforts to protect and recover their populations.