What term is used for species that are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range?

The term "endangered species" is used to describe species that face a high risk of extinction across all or a significant portion of their habitat. This designation indicates that these species are experiencing significant declines in population or that their habitats are being compromised, making recovery and conservation efforts critical. Endangered species are typically given special protection under various environmental laws and regulations due to their precarious status.

In contrast, a "threatened species" refers to those that may become endangered in the foreseeable future, but they are not yet at the critical levels of an endangered species. "Protected species" generally refers to any species that is legally safeguarded under environmental regulations but does not specify the level of risk associated with that status. Lastly, "vulnerable species" refers to species that are at risk of becoming endangered due to factors such as habitat loss or declining population trends but are not yet critically threatened.