An endangered animal is a species that will only survive for a short period of time unless actions are taken to save it. These animals are usually assigned a status based on the length of time the species is expected to survive under current conditions, so a species that is being hunted, is living on land that is being destroyed or is disappearing quickly is considered to be in more danger than other animals.

1. Stable

   • An animal species with a large population is considered to be stable (or of least concern) if the species does not appear to be in danger of extinction.

   Low Risk

   • An animal species with a large population is considered to be low risk (or near threatened) if the species may be in danger of eventual extinction but is expected to survive for more than 100 years.

   Vulnerable

   • An animal species is considered to be vulnerable (or threatened) if evidence suggests that the species may be extinct within 100 years.

   Endangered

   • An animal species is considered to be endangered if evidence suggests that the species may be extinct within 20 years.

   Critically Endangered

   • An animal species is considered to be critically endangered (or at critical risk) if evidence suggests that the species may be extinct within 10 years.

   Extinct

   • The term "extinct" describes an animal species that only lives in zoos (a status that is known as "extinct in the wild") or a species that is no longer living at all.