Conservation status refers to the assessment of a species' risk of extinction. It helps scientists and conservationists understand how many individuals of a species are left and how their populations are changing. This status is often categorized into groups such as Least Concern, Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered, based on specific criteria like population size and habitat loss.
Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintain a Red List that provides detailed information on the conservation status of various species. This list is crucial for guiding conservation efforts and prioritizing resources to protect threatened species and their habitats.