Critically endangered

Critically Endangered

A critically endangered sloth

The term "critically endangered" is a category assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to species that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This classification is part of the IUCN Red List, which evaluates the conservation status of plant and animal species globally. A species is classified as critically endangered when it meets specific criteria related to population size, rate of decline, and geographic range.

Criteria for Classification

A species is considered critically endangered if it meets any of the following criteria:

• Population Reduction: A reduction in population size of 80% or more over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer, due to known or suspected causes such as habitat loss, exploitation, or disease.
• Geographic Range: A severely restricted geographic range, with an extent of occurrence less than 100 km² or an area of occupancy less than 10 km², combined with a declining or fluctuating population.
• Population Size: A population size of fewer than 250 mature individuals, with a continuing decline observed, projected, or inferred.
• Quantitative Analysis: A quantitative analysis showing the probability of extinction in the wild is at least 50% within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer.

Threats to Critically Endangered Species

Critically endangered species face numerous threats that contribute to their risk of extinction. These threats include:

• Habitat Destruction: The loss of habitat due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture is a significant threat to many species.
• Climate Change: Changes in climate can alter habitats and food availability, affecting species survival.
• Overexploitation: Hunting, fishing, and poaching for commercial, recreational, or subsistence purposes can drastically reduce populations.
• Pollution: Contaminants in the environment can harm species directly or disrupt their ecosystems.
• Invasive Species: Non-native species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts for critically endangered species involve a combination of strategies aimed at protecting habitats, enforcing laws against poaching, and breeding programs. Organizations work globally and locally to implement conservation plans, raise awareness, and secure funding for these initiatives.

The critically endangered Beluga sturgeon

Examples of Critically Endangered Species

Some well-known examples of critically endangered species include:

• Javan Rhinoceros: With fewer than 70 individuals remaining, this species is found only in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.
• Vaquita: A small porpoise native to the northern part of the Gulf of California, with fewer than 10 individuals estimated to remain.
• Sumatran Orangutan: Endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, this species faces threats from habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade.

Related Pages

• Endangered species
• Vulnerable species
• Extinct in the Wild
• Conservation biology