extinct in the wild

American  

[ik-stingkt in thuh-wahyld] / ɪkˈstɪŋkt ɪn ðəˈwaɪld /

adjective

Biology, Ecology.

1. (of a plant or animal species) having members growing or living only as a naturalized population or in captivity, but having no known members growing or living independently in a natural habitat, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: EW

   After observing a herd of Père David deer on a reserve in China, we learned that the species is extinct in the wild.

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Etymology

Origin of extinct in the wild

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Vulnerable, and at risk of becoming extinct in the wild.

From Literature

With it went the cave roach, which is now extinct in the wild.

From Salon

Now the delta smelt is functionally extinct in the wild, the species preserved only through a state and federal hatchery program, the success of which is uncertain.

From Los Angeles Times

It is estimated the species, found in forested areas of Kenya, could be extinct in the wild within two decades after years of poaching.

From BBC

While he says he does like being around them for “selfish reasons,” the animals reside in Southern California because they’re either extinct in the wild or so endangered that poachers pose a critical risk to the remaining population.

From Los Angeles Times