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

Tags: Endangered Species, extinct in the wild, extinct species, IUCN Red List, threatened species

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