What is an endangered species?

An endangered species is defined as a species that is at risk of extinction. This means that the population of this species has declined to a level where it faces threats that may lead to its disappearance from the wild. Factors such as habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution contribute to the endangerment of these species. Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species and their habitats to prevent extinction and promote recovery.

In contrast, a species that has a stable population would not face the same risks and is not considered endangered. Similarly, a species that is found in abundance indicates a healthy population and does not require special conservation measures. Additionally, a newly discovered species might still be in the process of being studied and assessed for its conservation status, but it does not inherently mean it is endangered. Thus, the definition of an endangered species clearly aligns with the idea of being at risk, making it the correct choice.