endangered species

Scientific  

/ ĕn-dān′jərd /

1. A plant or animal species existing in such small numbers that it is in danger of becoming extinct, especially such a species placed in jeopardy as a result of human activity. One of the principal factors in the endangerment or extinction of a species is the destruction or pollution of its native habitat. Other factors include overhunting, intentional extermination, and the accidental or intentional introduction of alien species that outcompete the native species for environmental resources.

---

endangered species Idioms  

1. A group threatened with extinction or destruction. For example, Workers willing to put in overtime without extra pay are an endangered species, or With the new budget cuts, public television has become an endangered species. This expression, originally referring to species of plants or animals in danger of dying out, began in the 1980s to be extended to anything or anyone becoming rare.

---

Example Sentences

They say the barriers kill local endangered species like the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and the leatherback turtle, and they’re not that good at keeping out sharks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

The River Lugg is home to six protected and endangered species, including common otter, Atlantic salmon, white clawed crayfish, brook lamprey, shad and bullhead.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The Gilbert's potoroo, a critically endangered species found only in Western Australia, has fewer than 150 animals left in the wild.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Gray wolves are a federally protected endangered species and illegal to kill in California.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

Who knows, we might even acknowledge the fragility and vulnerability that always accompany high specialization in biology, and movements might start up for the protection of ourselves as a valuable, endangered species.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas