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Conservation Status

Near Threatened Species

Species that may become threatened in the near future without continued conservation attention.

Total Species
8
Endangered or Worse
0
Most Popular
Jaguar
A photo of Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Near Threatened

Emperor Penguin

Aptenodytes forsteri

Bird

The emperor penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species, uniquely breeding through the brutal Antarctic winter on sea ice far from open water.

A photo of Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
Near Threatened

Harpy Eagle

Harpia harpyja

Bird

The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, a rainforest apex predator capable of snatching monkeys and sloths directly from the treetops. Its enormous talons can exert a grip strength far beyond a human hand's, making it one of the most formidable raptors on Earth.

A photo of Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Near Threatened

Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

Mammal

The hedgehog is a small, spine-covered mammal found across Europe, instantly recognizable for its defensive habit of rolling into a tight, spiky ball when threatened. Despite its tiny size, it's a surprisingly effective predator of garden pests, making it a welcome visitor in gardens across its range.

A photo of Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Near Threatened

Jaguar

Panthera onca

Mammal

The jaguar is the largest big cat in the Americas and the only living member of the genus Panthera found in the New World, prowling the rainforests of Central and South America.

A photo of Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
Near Threatened

Narwhal

Monodon monoceros

Mammal

The narwhal is an Arctic whale famous for the male's long spiraled tusk, which is actually an enormous protruding canine tooth, earning it the nickname 'unicorn of the sea'.

A photo of Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
Near Threatened

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

Mammal

The plains zebra is the most common and widespread zebra species, roaming the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa in large, ever-shifting herds.

A photo of Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)
Near Threatened

Quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno

Bird

Known as the resplendent quetzal, this bird is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, revered by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations including the Maya and Aztec, who considered it sacred and associated it with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Males grow spectacularly long, iridescent green tail streamers that can trail well beyond the length of their own body.

A photo of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Near Threatened

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

Fish

The yellowfin tuna is a large, fast-swimming fish found in tropical and subtropical waters across the world's oceans, prized both as one of the ocean's most powerful predators and as one of the most commercially important fish species for human consumption. Its name comes from the bright yellow coloring of its dorsal and anal fins, which become especially long and dramatic in mature adults.

Where This Status Sits on the IUCN Red List

Extinction risk increases left to right. Species counts reflect animals currently featured on this site, not global totals.

StatusExtinction RiskSpecies Featured
Least ConcernWidespread and abundant species that are not currently at significant risk of extinction.45
Near Threatened (this page)Species that may become threatened in the near future without continued conservation attention.8
VulnerableSpecies facing a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, or other pressures.17
EndangeredSpecies facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.15
Critically EndangeredSpecies facing an extremely high risk of extinction, often down to only a handful of populations left in the wild.5
ExtinctSpecies with no known living individuals remaining, lost forever from the wild.5

Near Threatened Species FAQs

How many near threatened species are listed here?

This page currently features 8 species, and more are added regularly as the dataset grows.

What is the most popular animal in this list?

Jaguar is currently the most popular animal in Near Threatened Species.

Are any of these animals endangered?

None of the species currently listed are classified as threatened, though conservation status can change over time.

Explore Other Conservation Statuses