Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
What are the differences between endangered, threatened, imperiled, and at-risk species?
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), plant and animal species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
States have their own ESA-type laws, so species can have different Threatened/Endangered statuses at the federal and state levels. The USGS typically refers to the federal status unless otherwise noted.
"Imperiled" or "at risk" are not legal terms under ESA, but more biological terms. Generally speaking, they are animals and plants that are in decline and may be in danger of extinction. Those terms can include species that are at low populations and near extinction but still not legally protected under ESA.
Related Content
Are salmon endangered worldwide?
No, salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are much healthier than others. These healthy populations usually occupy protected habitats such as the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River and streams of Olympic National Park. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon
What is the threat from West Nile Virus (WNV) to endangered and threatened bird species?
This is an issue of great concern, as these populations are already struggling to survive in the current environment. If some of these species are more vulnerable to fatal WNV infection, WNV may ultimately lead to their extinction or significantly set back the progress of the recovery programs.
Where are salmon most endangered?
Certain populations of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Sockeye salmon from the Snake River system are probably the most endangered salmon. Coho salmon in the lower Columbia River may already be extinct. Salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are...
Why do animals and plants become endangered?
Although extinctions occur naturally, the current rate of plant and animal extinctions is much higher than the natural or historical rates. Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates. Other causes include habitat changes, over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes, the introduction of harmful nonnative species, pollution, and the spread of diseases. Learn more...
What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species , including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd ), has been found on an additional...
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
A green sea turtle, sporting a USGS satellite tag, swims the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA. Note: All marine turtle images taken in Florida were obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to this or other turtles.
A green sea turtle, sporting a USGS satellite tag, swims the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA. Note: All marine turtle images taken in Florida were obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to this or other turtles.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
- Scientists and volunteers are working to restore the Eastern population of the federally listed whooping crane
- The life history and migration of whooping cranes
- Scientists and volunteers are working to restore the Eastern population of the federally listed whooping crane
- The life history and migration of whooping cranes
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
Range-wide population trend analysis for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)—Updated 1960–2023
U.S. Geological Survey science in support of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)
Status and threats analysis for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), 2016
Early action to address an emerging wildlife disease
Using genetic research to inform imperiled and invasive species management
White-nose syndrome in bats: U.S. Geological Survey updates
Lead poisoning in wild birds
Protecting Black-Footed Ferrets and Prairie Dogs against sylvatic plague
Related Content
- FAQ
Are salmon endangered worldwide?
No, salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are much healthier than others. These healthy populations usually occupy protected habitats such as the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River and streams of Olympic National Park. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon
What is the threat from West Nile Virus (WNV) to endangered and threatened bird species?
This is an issue of great concern, as these populations are already struggling to survive in the current environment. If some of these species are more vulnerable to fatal WNV infection, WNV may ultimately lead to their extinction or significantly set back the progress of the recovery programs.
Where are salmon most endangered?
Certain populations of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Sockeye salmon from the Snake River system are probably the most endangered salmon. Coho salmon in the lower Columbia River may already be extinct. Salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are...
Why do animals and plants become endangered?
Although extinctions occur naturally, the current rate of plant and animal extinctions is much higher than the natural or historical rates. Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates. Other causes include habitat changes, over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes, the introduction of harmful nonnative species, pollution, and the spread of diseases. Learn more...
What species of bats are affected by White-nose Syndrome?
White-nose Syndrome mostly affects hibernating bats. More than half of the 47 bat species living in the United States and Canada hibernate to survive the winter. Twelve bat species , including two endangered species and one threatened species, have been confirmed with white-nose syndrome in North America. The causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans ( Pd ), has been found on an additional...
- Multimedia
An Endangered Honeycreeper, the ‘Akeke‘e (Kaua‘i Akepa), in Hawai‘iAn Endangered Honeycreeper, the ‘Akeke‘e (Kaua‘i Akepa), in Hawai‘i
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
An Endangered Puaiohi (Small Mountain Thrush) in HawaiiAn Endangered Puaiohi (Small Mountain Thrush) in HawaiiMany species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Green Sea Turtle Swimming in Dry Tortugas National ParkGreen Sea Turtle Swimming in Dry Tortugas National ParkA green sea turtle, sporting a USGS satellite tag, swims the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA. Note: All marine turtle images taken in Florida were obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to this or other turtles.
A green sea turtle, sporting a USGS satellite tag, swims the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA. Note: All marine turtle images taken in Florida were obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to this or other turtles.
Female Pallid SturgeonBiologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
Biologists prepare to perform ultrasound and an egg biopsy on female pallid sturgeon, radio code 30, to determine how close to spawning she is or whether spawning may already have occurred. Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks determined that code 30 eventually spawned in the Yellowstone River on July 19-20, 2012.
An Endangered Humpback ChubThe Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
An Endangered Yellow-Legged FrogUSGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
Big Invaders and Tiny Fish: Endangered Species DayBig Invaders and Tiny Fish: Endangered Species DayKids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Public Lecture: Flight from Extinction: Helping Whooping Cranes SurvivePublic Lecture: Flight from Extinction: Helping Whooping Cranes Survive- Scientists and volunteers are working to restore the Eastern population of the federally listed whooping crane
- The life history and migration of whooping cranes
- Scientists and volunteers are working to restore the Eastern population of the federally listed whooping crane
- The life history and migration of whooping cranes
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National ParkAn Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National ParkAn Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Endangered California CondorAn endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
Endangered Burrowing OwlAn endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
Endangered Hawaiian Hoary BatAn endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
- Publications
Range-wide population trend analysis for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)—Updated 1960–2023
This publication will be published at a later date.U.S. Geological Survey science in support of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat)
Bats make up one-fifth of all mammalian species worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica. They contribute to overall ecosystem health by suppressing pest insects and pollinating plants and spreading seeds. Eight North American bat species are listed as federally endangered or threatened, and more than one-half are of current conservation concern in the United States, Canada, orAuthorsBrian Reichert, Suzanna C. SoileauStatus and threats analysis for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), 2016
Trichechus manatus (West Indian manatee), especially T. m. latirostris, the Florida subspecies, has been the focus of conservation efforts and extensive research since its listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. To determine the status of, and severity of threats to, the Florida manatee, a comprehensive revision and update of the manatee Core Biological Model was completed and used to peAuthorsMichael C. Runge, Carol A. Sanders-Reed, Catherine A. Langtimm, Jeffrey A. Hostetler, Julien Martin, Charles J. Deutsch, Leslie I. Ward-Geiger, Gary L. MahonEarly action to address an emerging wildlife disease
A deadly fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) that affects amphibian skin was discovered during a die-off of European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in 2014. This pathogen has the potential to worsen already severe worldwide amphibian declines. Bsal is a close relative to another fungal disease known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Many scientists consider BdAuthorsM. J. Adams, M. Camille Harris, Daniel A. GrearUsing genetic research to inform imperiled and invasive species management
The long-term viability of species and populations is related to their potential to migrate, reproduce, and adapt to environmental changes. In the southeast United States, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are providing resource managers with genetic information to improve the long-term survival and sustainability of the Nation's aquatic species. Research focused on native and imperiled speAuthorsMargaret E. Hunter, Rachel J. PawlitzWhite-nose syndrome in bats: U.S. Geological Survey updates
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats since it first appeared in New York in 2007 and has spread at an alarming rate from the northeastern to the central United States and Canada. The disease is named for the white fungus Geomyces destructans that infects the skin of the muzzle, ears, and wings of hibernating bats. The U.S. Geological SurveAuthorsGail Moede Rogall, Michelle VerantLead poisoning in wild birds
Lead in its various forms has been used for thousands of years, originally in cooking utensils and glazes and more recently in many industrial and commercial applications. However, lead is a potent, potentially deadly toxin that damages many organs in the body and can affect all animals, including humans. By the mid 1990s, lead had been removed from many products in the United States, such as painAuthorsLesanna L. Lahner, J. Christian FransonProtecting Black-Footed Ferrets and Prairie Dogs against sylvatic plague
Scientists at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), in collaboration with colleagues at other federal agencies and the University of Wisconsin, are developing and testing vaccines that can be used to protect black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs against plague. The black-footed ferret is commonly regarded as the most endangered mammal in North America, and sylvatic plague is a major impAuthorsTonie E. Rocke - News