What are threatened animals?

Threatened animals are species assessed as facing elevated risk of extinction in the wild; risk levels differ among species.

How risk is assessed

The IUCN Red List uses population size and trend, geographic range and other criteria to classify status. Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered are different levels. Data Deficient does not mean safe; it indicates insufficient information. A global status may differ from the situation of a population in one country. Figures and categories may change after reassessment, so check the current species record.

Pressures and conservation

Habitat loss, overuse, invasive species, pollution and climate change affect species differently. Conservation is more than breeding individuals: habitat, movement routes, local communities and causes of pressure matter together. A sound plan monitors the outcomes of actions. Protecting one species can sometimes benefit others sharing its habitat.