NEAR THREATENED Meaning and
Definition
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Near threatened is a term used in the field of conservation to classify a species that is at a high risk of becoming endangered in the near future if no significant conservation measures are taken. It is a category that falls between the "least concern" category and the "vulnerable" category in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Species that are classified as near threatened may have a declining population and face significant threats or habitat loss, degradation, or fragmentation. These species are not presently endangered, but if the current trends continue, they may soon become so. This categorization allows scientists and conservationists to identify species that require attention and focused conservation efforts to prevent further decline and possible extinction.
Near threatened species may also be subject to other threats such as overexploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species, or disease outbreaks. The classification of "near threatened" serves as a warning sign that action is needed to prevent the species from slipping into the endangered category.
Conservation efforts for near threatened species often involve habitat restoration, protection of key areas, regulation of hunting or fishing practices, and raising awareness to encourage public support and engagement. By recognizing and addressing the threats faced by near threatened species early on, there is a higher chance of preventing their decline and ensuring their continued survival in the wild.
Etymology of NEAR THREATENED
The word "near threatened" is not derived from specific etymological roots. Instead, it is a term used in the field of conservation to categorize the status of species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The IUCN Red List classifies species into various categories based on their extinction risk, ranging from "least concern" to "extinct". The "near threatened" category is used for species that are close to qualifying for a conservation concern category but do not yet meet the criteria for vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
