- A species is considered extinct when there are no known living individuals of that species left in the world.
- Extinction is the most severe threat to biodiversity.
- Extinct species cannot be recovered, and their loss is permanent.
Endangered
- A species is considered endangered when it is at risk of becoming extinct in the wild due to a variety of factors, such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
- Endangered species are still present in the wild, but their populations are declining and they face a high risk of extinction.
- Endangered species can be recovered through conservation efforts, but these efforts must be substantial and sustained.
Threatened
- A species is considered threatened when it is likely to become endangered in the future if certain risk factors are not addressed.
- Threatened species are still relatively common in the wild, but their populations are declining or their habitats are being degraded.
- Threatened species can often be recovered through conservation efforts, but these efforts must be started early to prevent the species from becoming endangered.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between extinct, endangered, and threatened species:
| Status | Definition | Examples | Recovery Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extinct | No known living individuals left | Dodo, Tasmanian tiger, passenger pigeon | Cannot be recovered |
| Endangered | At risk of becoming extinct | African elephant, giant panda, black rhinoceros | Can be recovered through substantial conservation efforts |
| Threatened | Likely to become endangered in the future | Cheetah, lion, polar bear | Can often be recovered through conservation efforts |