threatened species

American  

[thret-nd spee-sheez, spee-seez] / ˈθrɛt nd ˈspi ʃiz, ˈspi siz /

noun

Biology, Ecology.

1. a plant or animal species generally perceived as likely, in the near future, to become endangered within all or much of its range.

   The drainage of this wetland promises to leave us with a number of threatened species.

2. a plant or animal species that has been categorized by the IUCN Red List as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

   In evaluating the conservation status of this threatened species, we must follow closely the population growth rate.

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Compare meaning

How does threatened-species compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endangered vs. threatened species

Example Sentences

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended granting threatened species status to roughly 1,400 mountain lions roaming the Central Coast and Southern California, pointing to grave threats posed by freeways, rat poison and fierce wildfires.

From Los Angeles Times

But activities such as grazing and development have degraded so much habitat that the threatened species now occupies only 12% of its historical range, according to a 2023 survey by the U.S.

From Salon

At the center of the debate is the act’s “blanket rule,” which automatically applies the strictest “endangered”-level protections to all threatened species unless the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

That approach may sound protective, but it erases the crucial distinction between “endangered” and “threatened” species that Congress originally built into the law.

From The Wall Street Journal

By requiring tailored protections for threatened species—and eventually revisiting old blanket ones—the new rules will ensure recovery pays off for those who make it happen.

From The Wall Street Journal