Species all over the world are being listed by states, the federal government, and international agencies as endangered. In 1973, the United States government enacted The Endangered Species Act (ESA), mandating that the federal government has a responsibility to protect endangered species, threatened species, and critical habitats. ESA has lists of protected species that cover both the US and the world.
Below each level will be explained and examples of each will be given..
Least Concern
These species are widespread and have an abundant population. This means they are not in danger at this moment and have stable populations in the wild.
Near Threatened
These are species that are close to being threatened in the near future. Species here have good numbers but, due to changes in their ecosystems, they are in danger of becoming threatened.
Vulnerable
This is the first level on the threatened part of the scale. According to National Geographic, this category has had a 30-50% population decrease [from what, in what time range].
Endangered
This is the next step on the scale. These species have had a 50-70% decline in population (National Geographic).
Critically Endangered
This step is the final step before species go extinct and are in grave danger of doing so in the near future. They have a population decline of 80-90% or above (National Geographic).
Amur leopard, gorilla, orangutan, and Sumatran rhino are all critically endangered.
Extinct in the Wild
These species are ones that no longer exist in the wild. They only live in cultivation, captivity, or have a population outside of their natural range.
Britannica gives a list of five animals and plants that are still alive due to humans. Angel’s trumpets, Panamanian golden frog, alula, butterfly splitfin, and ginkgo are all alive because humans are protecting them in captivity.
Extinct
This is the final step on the scale. When animals go extinct, there are no longer any remaining individuals of the species.
Species like the wooly mammoth and saber-toothed tiger have been extinct for a long time and now live in museums, but there are also species that have gone extinct recently. In 2018 several species went extinct, including two songbird species in Brazil.
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Species Spotlights 