What is an Endangered Species?

Species that are in trouble can have international, country, regional or state status as rare, threatened or endangered. There is probably a rare, threatened or endangered species within a few miles of where you live. They can include both aquatic and terrestrial organisms such as plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Many of these species can also live in caves and subterranean systems. If you live in an area of the country rich in caves and karst geology, there is an even greater chance that there is a threatened or endangered species near you. Unfortunately, most subterranean species are not known or identified.

There are similarities and differences in how species are classified by different agencies. By going to these sites, you will begin to understand how this classification system affects plant and animal species that are of importance to you.

States (Virginia as an example)

Federal Governments (USA as an example)

International Classification

• What are the criteria for determining whether a species is rare, threatened or endangered?
• Do these criteria vary if the organism is plant or an animal?
• Are the criteria different at the level of the state, federal government or international concerns.
• What laws are used to protect internationally rare, threatened and endangered species?