Vanishing Species: What is Threatening Species? Traits of Vulnerable Species

By identifying the traits that characterize species likely to become endangered or fade to extinction, it is possible to afford them and their habitats extra protection and carefully monitor their status. The tragic losses of so many of these "red flag" species should be avoided in the future, and can be, with remedial action. Ideally, species should be conserved when their populations are still healthy, before they become genetically impoverished and their populations fragmented. The list below includes some of the characteristics many extinct and endangered species possess. Undoubtedly, the more we learn about the causes pushing wildlife and plants to extinction, the longer such a list will become.