Vulnerable species

A vulnerable species is a species that is threatened with extinction unless things get better for them. Many of these species are at risk because their homes are changed or destroyed. This makes it hard for them to live and have babies.

Scientists watch over vulnerable habitats and species to help protect them. Some animals listed as vulnerable might be raised and cared for by people, like the military macaw, to help keep their numbers up.

Efforts like cryoconservation of animal genetic resources are used to save important traits of different animals, especially those that might be at risk.

Criteria

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rules to decide which animals or plants might disappear. A species is called Vulnerable when it is not in danger right now but could be in the future if things do not improve.

Some reasons a species might be Vulnerable are if its home is destroyed, if people catch too many of them, or if they do not have enough babies. Scientists watch these species to help protect them. Examples of Vulnerable species are the hyacinth macaw, the mountain zebra, and the gaur.