Lower risk

Lower risk was a classification formerly used by the IUCN Red List, superseded by the Least Concern classification.^[1] Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, least concern, data deficient, and not evaluated.^[2]

The IUCN defined an animal with the conservation status of lower risk is one with populations levels high enough to ensure its survival.^[3] Animals with this status did not qualify as being threatened or extinct. However, natural disasters or certain human activities would cause them to change to either of these classifications.^[4]

When it was in use, this classification was sub-divided into three types:

• Conservation dependent - where cessation of current conservation measures may result in it being classified at a higher risk level.
• Near threatened - may become vulnerable to endangerment in the near future but not meeting the criteria.
• Least concern - where neither of the two above apply.

See also

• Biodiversity action plan
• Endangered species