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.

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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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

endangered species

However, he said, “determining that the project is proposed on endangered species habitat was enough” to force the developer to go through the lengthy conventional approval process.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

His principal legislative interest has been to delist the gray wolf as a federal endangered species.

From Slate ● Aug. 15, 2026

The future of endangered species across the world could be affected unless the government brings in new laws soon, to make it easier to transfer animals around the globe, conservationists say.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

The area borders the vast Rose Atoll marine sanctuary, where endangered species of Hawksbill turtle thrive on vibrant reefs.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

“Naw. He said I’d probably be a scientist one day. Save endangered species and stuff. He called me Dr. Gale all night. It was goofy. And cool.”

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt