conservation status

[ kon-ser-vey-shuhn stey-tuhs, stat-uhs ]

noun

, Biology, Ecology.

1. the designation of a plant or animal species’ likelihood of becoming extinct or having already become extinct: the most consulted global ranking system for conservation status is the IUCN Red List:

   Has the conservation status of the narwhal changed over the past five years?

Word History and Origins

Origin of conservation status¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, so little is known about their conservation status that we couldn't assess their risks.

From Salon

That’s the same conservation status as raccoons and crows.

From Los Angeles Times

Established in 1964, the IUCN's red list of threatened species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.

From BBC

They are calling for a higher conservation status for two endangered Malagasy species, including the biggest and most famous of Madagascar's baobabs, the giant baobab.

From BBC

Founding Director and Principal Scientist at Sea Search Research & Conservation, and at the Department of BotZoo, University of Stellenbosch, Dr. Simon Elwen, is an expert in the ecology, behavior, and conservation status of whales.

From Science Daily