What is a Critically Endangered Species?

A critically endangered species is a species that still exists in the wild but is listed as being at the highest risk for extinction. The The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is the organization that assesses risk and decides which animals are considered to be critically endangered. One of the major factors in defining a species as being critically endangered is the rapidity in which it is decreasing. If a species population has decreased by 80 percent or more within three generations, then the IUCN will likely add it to the critically endangered list. This also may be the case if there is a very strong likelihood that the population of the species will decrease by 80 percent or more within three generations.

In order to understand what it means for a species to be critically endangered, it is important to understand the spectrum of endangerment that is used by the IUCN. The spectrum, which is also sometimes referred to as the IUCN Red List, includes seven categories. The top category, which is called "Least Concern" is reserved for species which that to be in very little danger of extinction. It is followed by a category called "Near Threatened," which is used to describe species that are not currently under the threat of extinction but may be in the near future.

The next three points on the IUCN spectrum are all considered to be under the umbrella of "threatened" species, but the threat varies in its severity. The points in this section of the spectrum include "Vulnerable Species," "Endangered Species," and "Critically Endangered Species." One of the key issues regarding these types of endangered animals is that, on the spectrum of endangerment, they are next to the extinct categories. The two extinct categories, which are on the opposite end of the spectrum from "Near Threatened" and "Least Concern" are "Extinct in the Wild" and "Extinct."

The critically endangered species on the IUCN list include plants as well as animals. There are, for example, various types of lilies that are considered to be critically endangered. Animals that are on the critically endangered species list include the Togo slippery frog, Anderson’s salamander, the Gulf Coast jaguarundi, Przewalski’s horse, and the Hawaiian monk seal to name just a few. There are a number of organizations that work to make the threat of endangerment less serious for certain groups of plants and animals.

A species is classified as critically endangered when it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This designation is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which considers factors such as a rapid decline in population numbers, a severely restricted habitat, and a very small population size or very low number of mature individuals.

As of the latest IUCN Red List update, there are over 6,811 species classified as critically endangered. This number is constantly changing as new assessments are made and conservation efforts impact species' survival. The IUCN Red List is the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Species become critically endangered primarily due to human activities. Habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change are the leading threats. According to the IUCN, habitat loss and degradation affect 85% of all species described in the Red List, including critically endangered ones.

Yes, critically endangered species can recover with effective conservation efforts. Success stories include the California condor and the black-footed ferret, which have seen population increases due to intensive conservation actions like captive breeding and habitat restoration. These examples demonstrate that with dedicated efforts, species can be brought back from the brink of extinction.

Zoos and aquariums play a significant role in the conservation of critically endangered species through captive breeding programs, research, and public education. They often serve as a last refuge for some species, providing a controlled environment for breeding and reintroduction initiatives, as well as raising awareness about the plight of these species.

Individuals can contribute to the conservation of critically endangered species by supporting habitat protection initiatives, participating in citizen science projects, making sustainable consumer choices, and donating to reputable conservation organizations. Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats facing these species is also crucial for garnering broader support for conservation efforts.