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Basic Definitions on Animals
Taxanomy : The science of classification of animals. All living things are classified under seven different categories one below the other. i.e. broader types at the top to more specialized types at the bottom. The seven categories are Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species.
           Example: Lion: Animalia (Kingdom), Chordata (Phylum), Mammalia (Class), Carnivora (Order), Felidae (Family), Panthera (Genus), Lion (Species)
For simplification this website is arranged under Kingdom, Class and Family. Mammals (kingdom) are subdivided into three subclasses.
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Extinct: the last remaining member of the species has died, or is presumed beyond reasonable doubt to have died.
           Examples: Dodo, Passenger Pigeon, Caribbean Monk Seal
- Extinct in the wild: captive individuals survive, but there is no free-living, natural population.
           Examples:South China Tiger, Alagoas Curassow
- Critically endangered: faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future.
           Examples: Arakan Forest Turtle, Javan Rhino, Brazilian Merganser, Gharial
- Endangered: faces a very high risk of extinction in the near future.
           Examples: Mary Brown, Blue Whale, Giant Panda, Snow Leopard, African Wild Dog, Tiger, Albatross
- Vulnerable: faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term.
           Examples: Cheetah, Gaur, Lion, Sloth Bear, Wolverine, Manatee
- Conservation Dependent: The following animal is not severely threatened, but the animal must depend on conservation programs.
           Examples: Spotted Hyena, Leopard Shark, Black Caiman
- Near Threatened: may be considered threatened in the near future.
           Examples: Blue-billed Duck, Solitary Eagle, Small-clawed Otter , Maned Wolf
- Least Concern: no immediate threat to the survival of the species.
           Examples: Brown Rat, Nootka Cypress, Wood Pigeon, Harp Seal
For more information refer to : Â http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species