What classifies as an endangered species?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an international authority on assessing conservation status, defines endangered species as those that are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild due to various factors such as habitat loss, hunting, poaching, disease, and climate change.

According to IUCN criteria, a species qualifies as endangered when it meets any of the following conditions:

1. Population Size:

- Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining.

2. Geographic Distribution:

- Occurs in a very restricted geographic area, with a threat that could rapidly affect the entire population.

3. Population Decline:

- Decline in the number of mature individuals by more than 50% over the last ten years or three generations.

4. Fragmentation and Isolation:

- Exists in fragmented or severely fragmented populations, indicating high vulnerability to threats.

5. Continuing Decline or Fluctuation:

- Continues to decline, even if the current population size is above 2,500 individuals.

6. Extinction Probability:

- There is a probability of extinction in the wild estimated at 20% within the next 20 years.

Examples of endangered species include the Giant Panda, Black Rhinoceros, Blue Whale, Orangutan, and Snow Leopard. Species categorized as endangered require immediate conservation efforts and measures to protect their populations and ensure their survival in the wild.