* Functionally extinct: While a few individuals may still exist, their numbers are so low and their habitat so degraded that they can no longer reproduce successfully and maintain a viable population. This effectively makes them extinct for all practical purposes.
* On the brink of extinction: Their populations are critically low, and they are facing significant threats like habitat loss, poaching, or climate change. They are hanging on by a thread and could easily disappear completely.
* A species whose populations are declining drastically: This could be due to various factors like disease, competition from invasive species, or human activities. While they haven't reached extinction, they are on a trajectory that could lead to their demise.
Examples of species that could be considered "living dead" in this metaphorical sense:
* The Javan rhino: Only about 60 Javan rhinos are estimated to exist in the wild, and their population is declining.
* The Amur leopard: With less than 100 individuals remaining in the wild, it's one of the most endangered cat species.
* The Sumatran orangutan: Habitat destruction and poaching have led to a dramatic decline in their numbers, and they are now critically endangered.
It's important to remember that:
* "Living dead" isn't a formal scientific term: It's a way to describe species that are facing dire circumstances and likely won't survive without significant conservation efforts.
* These species still have a chance for survival: Though they are facing a bleak future, conservation efforts can help them recover and prevent their extinction.
Using terms like "living dead" can be a powerful way to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species and the urgent need for conservation action.