Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

endangered species

noun
/ɪnˈdeɪn.dʒərd ˈspiː.ʃiːz/
Definition
Species that are at risk of extinction due to a variety of factors including habitat loss, poaching, and environmental changes.
Examples
  • The Bengal tiger is an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 left in the wild.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for saving endangered species like the green sea turtle.
  • Many endangered species are protected by laws that prohibit hunting and habitat destruction.
Meaning
Endangered species refers to groups of organisms that are facing a high risk of extinction in the near future. This status often leads to protective measures to help preserve their populations.
Synonyms
  • threatened species
  • protected species
  • vulnerable species