Endangered Species Terms

THREATENED SPECIES – a species whose population is not yet low enough to be

in immediate danger of extinction, but who certainly faces serious
problems. If the problems affecting these species aren’t resolved, it is
probable that the species will become endangered. The eastern indigo
snake and the red kangaroo are examples of threatened species.

ENDANGERED SPECIES – a species, plant or animal, that

is in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Its numbers are usually low,
and it needs protection in order to survive. The Siberian tiger, the southern
sea otter, the snow leopard, the green pitcher plant, and thousands of other
plants and animals are endangered worldwide.

EXTINCT SPECIES – a species that is no longer living. The

passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Stegosaurus are examples of this
species. These animals no longer exist on the earth.

1997 National Wildlife Federation.