Vulnerable species

A vulnerable species is a species that has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being threatened with extinction unless the circumstances that are threatening its survival and reproduction improve. Many of these species are at risk because of changes to their homes, such as habitat loss. When a place where animals or plants normally live is destroyed or changed, it can make it very hard for them to survive.

Scientists keep watch on vulnerable habitats and species to help protect them. Some animals that are listed as vulnerable might be seen more often in special care settings, like the military macaw. This means they are raised and cared for by people to help keep their numbers up.

In 2012, there were many more vulnerable animals and plants than in 1998. Over fourteen years, the number of vulnerable animals grew by 85 percent, and the number of vulnerable plants grew by 111 percent. This shows that more species are at risk and need protection to make sure they don't disappear from the world. Efforts like cryoconservation of animal genetic resources are used to save important traits of different animals, especially useful for farm animals that might be at risk.

Criteria

The International Union for Conservation of Nature uses several rules to decide which animals or plants are in danger of disappearing. A species is called Vulnerable when it is not in immediate danger but could be in the future unless things get better.

Some reasons a species might be Vulnerable include having its home destroyed, being caught too much by people, or having too few babies. Scientists watch these species closely to help protect them. Examples of Vulnerable species include the hyacinth macaw, the mountain zebra, and the gaur.