Glossary
Breeding Programs
Conservation efforts, often conducted in zoos or specialized facilities, to reproduce critically endangered species in captivity with the goal of reintroduction.
Example:
Zoos participate in breeding programs for species like the black-footed ferret to increase their numbers before releasing them back into suitable habitats.
CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement controlling the trade of endangered species.
Example:
Under CITES, the international trade of ivory from elephants is largely banned to protect their dwindling populations.
Conservation Education
Efforts to raise public awareness about environmental issues, species extinction, and human impacts to foster support for conservation actions.
Example:
A national park offering guided tours and interpretive signs about local wildlife is engaging in conservation education to inform visitors.
Conservation Organizations
Non-governmental or governmental groups that work to protect biodiversity through research, monitoring, habitat preservation, and policy advocacy.
Example:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a prominent example of a conservation organization that works globally to protect endangered species and their ecosystems.
Critically Endangered (CR)
A species classification indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Example:
The vaquita, a small porpoise, is considered Critically Endangered due to entanglement in illegal fishing nets, with very few individuals remaining.
Endangered (EN)
A species classification indicating a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Example:
Many large predators, such as tigers, are classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and poaching pressures across their range.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
A landmark U.S. law enacted in 1973 that protects endangered and threatened species and their critical habitats.
Example:
The bald eagle's recovery from near extinction is often cited as a success story attributed to the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act.
Extinct (EX)
A species classification indicating that there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Example:
The dodo bird is a classic example of a species classified as Extinct, having been hunted to oblivion centuries ago.
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
A species classification meaning it survives only in captivity or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.
Example:
If the California condor only existed in zoos and breeding facilities, it would be classified as Extinct in the Wild.
Extremely Small Population Size (IUCN Criterion)
An IUCN criterion for classification based on a critically low total number of mature individuals, typically fewer than 250.
Example:
The discovery of only 50 remaining individuals of a newly identified primate would immediately classify it under the Extremely Small Population Size criterion.
Generalist species
Species that can adapt to various conditions and utilize a wide range of resources, making them more resilient to environmental changes.
Example:
Raccoons are generalist species, able to thrive in diverse environments from forests to urban areas by eating a variety of foods.
Geographic Range (IUCN Criterion)
An IUCN criterion for classification based on the limited or fragmented area where a species lives.
Example:
A species found only on a single small island would likely meet the Geographic Range criterion for vulnerability due to its restricted habitat.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
An international organization that assesses the conservation status of species worldwide, categorizing them based on their risk of extinction.
Example:
The IUCN Red List is a crucial tool for scientists and policymakers to understand which species, like the Sumatran orangutan, are most in need of protection.
K-selected species
Species characterized by a low reproductive rate, few offspring, and a high survival rate, typically found in stable environments.
Example:
Elephants are a prime example of K-selected species, having long gestation periods and raising only a few calves over their lifetime.
Lacey Act
A U.S. law that prohibits the interstate transport of illegally harvested plants and animals, aiming to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Example:
The Lacey Act would be invoked if someone tried to sell illegally poached deer antlers across state lines.
Least Concern (LC)
A species classification indicating that it has a low risk of extinction and is widespread and abundant.
Example:
Common pigeons are a good example of a species classified as Least Concern, thriving in diverse urban and rural environments.
Near Threatened (NT)
A species classification indicating that it is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
Example:
While not yet endangered, a species like the monarch butterfly might be considered Near Threatened due to declining populations and habitat fragmentation.
Overharvesting
The removal of individuals from a population at a rate faster than the population can replenish itself, leading to decline.
Example:
The historical extinction of the passenger pigeon was largely due to overharvesting for food and sport, as millions were killed.
Population Reduction (IUCN Criterion)
An IUCN criterion for classification based on a significant decline in the number of individuals of a species over a specific period.
Example:
A 70% drop in a frog population over 10 years would trigger the Population Reduction criterion for an IUCN assessment.
Probability of Extinction (IUCN Criterion)
An IUCN criterion for classification based on a high statistical likelihood of a species becoming extinct within a specified timeframe.
Example:
If models predict a 25% chance of a fish species disappearing within the next two decades, it would meet the Probability of Extinction criterion.
R-selected species
Species characterized by a high reproductive rate, many offspring, and a low survival rate, often thriving in unstable environments.
Example:
Insects like mosquitoes are classic R-selected species, producing thousands of eggs to ensure some survive despite high mortality.
Small Population Size (IUCN Criterion)
An IUCN criterion for classification based on a low total number of mature individuals, typically fewer than 2,500, and a continuing decline.
Example:
If a rare orchid species had only 1,500 mature plants left and was still decreasing, it would meet the Small Population Size criterion.
Specialist species
Species that have a very specific niche, relying on a limited range of resources or habitats, making them vulnerable to environmental changes.
Example:
The panda, which primarily eats bamboo, is a specialist species highly susceptible to habitat loss that reduces its food source.
Vulnerable (VU)
A species classification indicating a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Example:
Polar bears are currently listed as Vulnerable because their sea ice habitat is rapidly shrinking due to climate change.