There are many different types of classifications for endangered animals. Many different factors are taken into consideration when classifying animals on the endangered scale. They do take into account the population remaining globally, but that is not all. They also use statistics such as the overall increase or decrease in population over time, the species breeding success rate, and their known threats.
The IUCN Red List Categories is the best known global status of conservation for species.
The IUCN Red List Categories is the best known global status of conservation for species.
- NOT EVALUATED: Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.
- DATA DEFICIENT: There is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status.
- LEAST CONCERN: Widespread and abundant.
- NEAR THREATENED: Is close to qualifying or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
- VULNERABLE: There is a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- ENDANGERED: There is a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
- CRITICALLY ENDANGERED: There is an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- EXTINCT IN THE WILD: Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range.
- EXTINCT: There is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.