Gefährdungsstatus

Gefährdungsstatus, or threat status, is a classification system used to categorize the degree of threat to the existence of a species or ecosystem. This system is commonly employed in conservation biology to prioritize conservation efforts and guide policy decisions. The most widely recognized system is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which assesses the threat status of species based on various criteria such as population trends, range, and threats.

The IUCN Red List categorizes species into several threat statuses, ranging from Least Concern to Extinct. Some of the key categories include:

1. Least Concern: Species that are not currently at risk of extinction.

2. Near Threatened: Species that are close to being threatened with extinction.

3. Vulnerable: Species that are at high risk of extinction in the wild.

4. Endangered: Species that are at very high risk of extinction in the wild.

5. Critically Endangered: Species that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

6. Extinct in the Wild: Species that are known only to survive in captivity or as a naturalized population outside their historic range.

7. Extinct: Species that are no longer extant.

Other classification systems, such as those used by national governments or non-governmental organizations, may have different categories and criteria. The purpose of these systems is to provide a standardized way to communicate the conservation status of species and to inform decisions about resource allocation, protection measures, and public awareness campaigns. Regular reassessments are conducted to update the threat status of species as new information becomes available.