near threatened

American  

[neer thret-nd] / ˈnɪər ˈθrɛt nd /

adjective

Biology, Ecology.

1. (of a plant or animal species) inclined to be threatened with extinction but not yet qualified as vulnerable, which is the entry level of the three categories of threatened species, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: near threatened species are regularly reevaluated, as an amended classification up to the level of vulnerable is always a possibility: NT

   The list of near threatened orthopterous insects includes several cave crickets and swallowtail butterflies.

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Etymology

Origin of near threatened

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

The Canid Specialist Group said the majority live in Brazil and are considered "near threatened" due to a loss of habitat.

From BBC

The southern white rhinos are not in quite such danger - they are listed as near threatened, with a population of 15,752.

From BBC

In West Africa, five more bird species were found to be near threatened in addition to one more in Central America.

From Barron's

In Madagascar, 14 species were newly classified as near threatened and three others were labelled vulnerable.

From Barron's

If a species becomes more at risk - for example, its numbers fall or its habitat is damaged - it may be moved to a higher-risk category such as Endangered; if it recovers thanks to conservation efforts, it may shift to a lower-risk category like Near Threatened or Least Concern.

From BBC