Critically Endangered

Critically Endangered is a conservation status assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to species or subspecies that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This status is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's Red List, coming after Extinct in the Wild (EW) and before Endangered (EN).

Criteria

The IUCN Red List categorizes species as Critically Endangered based on a set of quantitative criteria aimed at evaluating the risk of extinction. These criteria include a reduction in population size of more than 90% over the last 10 years or three generations, a current population size of fewer than 50 mature individuals, or a prediction of extinction within the next 10 years or three generations. Other factors considered include the area of geographic distribution, the degree of population fragmentation, and the effects of environmental changes, predation, competition, disease, and other threats.

Implications

The classification of a species as Critically Endangered is a signal that urgent action is needed to prevent its extinction. This status can mobilize conservation efforts, including habitat protection, legal protection, research, and possibly the development of captive breeding and other management programs designed to increase the population size and decrease the threats to the species.

Examples

Some notable examples of Critically Endangered species include the Javan Rhino, the Vaquita, and the Sumatran Orangutan. These species face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and illegal fishing practices, among other challenges.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts for Critically Endangered species often involve international cooperation, as many of these species cross national borders. Efforts may include the creation of protected areas, enforcement of hunting and fishing regulations, habitat restoration, and the establishment of captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Public awareness and education are also crucial components of conservation strategies, as they can lead to increased support for conservation measures.

See Also

• Endangered species
• IUCN Red List
• Conservation biology
• Habitat conservation
• Wildlife conservation

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