Near-threatened species
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Extinct |
Threatened |
Lower Risk |
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Related topics |
![]() Comparison of Red List classes above and NatureServe status below ![]() |
A near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.
The rationale used for near-threatened taxa usually includes the criteria of vulnerable which are plausible or nearly met, such as reduction in numbers or range. Near-threatened species evaluated from 2001 onwards may also be ones which are dependent on conservation efforts to prevent their becoming threatened, whereas prior to this conservation-dependent species were given a separate category ("Conservation Dependent").
Additionally, the 402 conservation-dependent taxa may also be considered near-threatened.
IUCN Categories and Criteria version 2.3
![Diagram of Lower Risk / near threatened in the older IUCN version 2.3, beside the former Lower Risk / conservation dependent subcategory.](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Status_iucn2.3_NT.svg/240px-Status_iucn2.3_NT.svg.png)
Prior to 2001, the IUCN used the version 2.3 Categories and Criteria to assign conservation status, which included a separate category for conservation-dependent species ("Conservation Dependent", LR/cd). With this category system, Near Threatened and Conservation Dependent were both subcategories of the category "Lower Risk". Taxa which were last evaluated prior to 2001 may retain their LR/cd or LR/nt status, although had the category been assigned with the same information today the species would be designated simply "Near Threatened (NT)" in either case.
Gallery
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The near-threatened European otter
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The maned wolf is near-threatened largely as the result of habitat loss.
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The gray bat was moved from "endangered" to "near-threatened" due to successful conservation efforts.
Notes and references
See also
- IUCN Red List near threatened species, ordered by taxonomic rank.
- Category:IUCN Red List near threatened species, ordered alphabetically.
- List of near threatened amphibians
- List of near threatened arthropods
- List of near threatened birds
- List of near threatened fishes
- List of near threatened insects
- List of near threatened invertebrates
- List of near threatened mammals
- List of near threatened molluscs
- List of near threatened reptiles
External links
- List of Near Threatened species as identified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species