| Conservation status |
|---|
| Extinct |
| Threatened |
| Lower Risk |
| Other categories |
| Related topics |
 Comparison of Red List classes above and NatureServe status below  |
Lower risk was a classification formerly used by the IUCN Red List, superseded by the Least Concern classification. [1] Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, least concern, data deficient, and not evaluated. [2]
The IUCN defined an animal with the conservation status of lower risk is one with populations levels high enough to ensure its survival. [3] Animals with this status did not qualify as being threatened or extinct. However, natural disasters or certain human activities would cause them to change to either of these classifications. [4]
When it was in use, this classification was sub-divided into three types:
- Conservation dependent - where cessation of current conservation measures may result in it being classified at a higher risk level.
- Near threatened - may become vulnerable to endangerment in the near future but not meeting the criteria.
- Least concern - where neither of the two above apply.
