Lower risk

Lower risk was a classification formerly used by the IUCN Red List, superseded by the Least Concern classification. 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.

The IUCN defined an animal with the conservation status of lower risk is one with populations levels high enough to ensure its survival. 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.

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