What is defined as a species in danger of extinction throughout a significant part of its range?

The term for a species that is in danger of extinction throughout a significant part of its range is "endangered species." This designation is crucial for conservation efforts since it highlights species that face imminent threats to their survival due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, or overexploitation. In the context of conservation status, an endangered species typically has experienced a drastic reduction in population size or range and thus is at a heightened risk of becoming extinct if no interventions are taken.

The distinction between "endangered" and other terms like "threatened" or "vulnerable" is important. While threatened species may face significant risks of becoming endangered in the near future, endangered species already meet the criteria for being on the brink of extinction. This reflects the urgency in conservation measures that need to be implemented to protect these species at risk.