The IUCN Red List Categories, given below, are intended to be an easily and widely understood system for classifying species at high risk of global extinction.
Extinct: the last remaining member of the species has died, or is presumed beyond reasonable doubt to have died. Examples: Dodo, Caribbean Monk Seal, Passenger Pigeon
Extinct in the wild: captive individuals survive, but there is no free-living, natural population. Examples:South China Tiger, Alagoas Curassow
Critically endangered: faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future. Examples: Arakan Forest Turtle, Javan Rhino, Brazilian Merganser
Endangered: faces a very high risk of extinction in the near future. Examples: Blue Whale, Giant Panda, Snow Leopard, African Wild Dog, Tiger, Albatross, Crowned Solitary Eagle, Dhole
Vulnerable: faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term. Examples: Cheetah, Sloth Bear, Lion
Conservation Dependent: The following animal is not severely threatened, but the animal must depend on conservation programs. Examples: Spotted Hyena, Leopard Shark, Black Caiman
Near Threatened: may be considered threatened in the near future. Examples: Blue-billed Duck, Maned Wolf, Small-clawed Otter
Least Concern: no immediate threat to the survival of the species. Examples: Brown Rat, Wood Pigeon, Harp Seal
