What are Threatened Species?

Threatened species are organisms that are at risk of extinction in the relatively near future unless an intervention or radical change occurs. If conservation actions are not taken, these species may vanish in the wild. While captive breeding programs may be used to preserve the species, such programs carry risks, including loss of genetic diversity as a result of limited numbers of organisms enrolled in the program to start with, compounded by difficulties in organizing and maintaining a breeding program. Some species, for example, are extremely challenging to breed in captivity.

The International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) uses “threatened” as a broad category to describe species that are vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered. Threatened species are cataloged on a list known as the Red List and such species are sometimes known as “red listed species” to reflect this. The IUCN Red List is available online and is also published in hard copy form. It is continuously revised and updated to reflect new additions and changes in status in order to keep the conservation community apprised of new developments.

In the United States, “threatened” is one of two categories for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The other category is “endangered.” This difference in terminology can be confusing to people who are used to the IUCN definitions, or in conversations where people do not clarify and provide information about the classification system they are using. Other nations with laws to protect threatened species tend to use the IUCN standards and these standards are also used in international law.

There are numerous reasons why species can become threatened, including loss of habitat, overhunting, disease, and climate change. Scientists who research threatened species explore the myriad reasons why organisms can become vulnerable to extinction. The interconnected nature of the relationships between animals and the environment can become especially important, as the loss of one species can create a domino effect that spreads to other species. Identifying key species in an environment before they go extinct is an important aspect of conservation.

Steps that can be taken to conserve species include establishing captive breeding programs to create a gene pool that can be reintroduced into the wild, along with passing laws to protect wilderness areas, cleaning up environmental hazards, and taking steps to curtail human activities that threaten the environment. This includes making policy changes on an international level, as well as encouraging individual communities to preserve the threatened species in their regions.

A species is classified as 'threatened' when it is at risk of becoming endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. This status indicates that the species is likely to face extinction if the factors contributing to its decline are not reversed. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains a Red List where such species are categorized based on their population trends, habitat loss, and other threats.

As of the latest data, the IUCN Red List has identified over 41,000 species as threatened with extinction. This includes animals, plants, and fungi, reflecting a growing crisis in global biodiversity. These numbers are continually updated as new information becomes available, highlighting the dynamic nature of conservation status assessments.

Species become threatened due to a variety of human-induced factors. Habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, poaching, and climate change are among the most significant causes. According to the World Wildlife Fund, habitat loss and degradation affect 85% of all threatened and endangered species, making it the most common threat to biodiversity.

Yes, threatened species can recover through concerted conservation efforts. Recovery strategies often include habitat restoration, legal protection, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction into the wild. Successful examples include the American bald eagle and the humpback whale, which have seen population increases due to such measures, as reported by conservation organizations.

'Threatened' is a general term used to describe species that are at risk of becoming endangered, while 'endangered' specifically refers to species that are at a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered species are closer to extinction than threatened species, and thus they require more immediate and intensive conservation actions.

Individuals can contribute to the protection of threatened species by supporting conservation organizations, adopting sustainable living practices, participating in citizen science projects, and advocating for environmental policies. Educating oneself and others about the importance of biodiversity and the threats species face is also crucial for fostering a culture of conservation.