Endangered Species Vocabulary

noun A large, shaggy-haired wild ox native to North America and Europe.

• The bison population in Yellowstone National Park has been steadily increasing.
• I saw a herd of bison grazing in the field on my way to work.
• That bison burger was so delicious, I could eat it every day!
• His stubbornness is like a bison, impossible to move or change.

noun a large mammal with tusks and a long trunk, native to Africa and Asia

• The elephant is the largest land animal on Earth.
• Did you see the elephant at the zoo? It was huge!
• That party was an elephant! It was so much fun.
• Addressing the elephant in the room, we need to talk about the budget cuts.

verb to put someone or something at risk or in danger

• The construction of the new road may endanger the habitat of several endangered species.
• Leaving the gate open could endanger the safety of the livestock.
• Texting while driving can seriously endanger your life.
• His reckless behavior could endanger his chances of getting a promotion.

adjective no longer in existence; having died out

• Many species have become extinct due to habitat destruction and climate change.
• I heard that the dodo bird is extinct, can you believe that?
• That style of music is so extinct, no one listens to it anymore.
• With the rise of technology, traditional handwritten letters are becoming extinct.

noun the state or process of being or becoming extinct; the act of extinguishing or putting an end to something

• The extinction of certain species is a major concern for conservationists.
• I heard that the panda bears are facing extinction.
• Dude, if we don't start recycling, we're gonna be in danger of extinction.
• The extinction of traditional values is evident in today's society.

noun a fast-running, long-eared mammal that resembles a rabbit

• The researcher observed the behavior of the hare in its natural habitat.
• I saw a hare hopping around in the field yesterday.
• That hare is so fast, it's like lightning!
• She raced ahead like a hare, determined to reach her goal.

noun the branch of zoology concerned with reptiles and amphibians

• The study of reptiles and amphibians is known as herpetology.
• She's really into herpetology and loves learning about snakes and frogs.
• I never thought I'd be interested in herps, but herpetology is actually pretty cool.
• Herpetology is like diving into a whole new world of scaly and slimy creatures.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things (common noun), or to name a particular one of these (proper noun)

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun, and in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope

• The company is on the brink of bankruptcy due to financial mismanagement.
• She's on the brink of losing her cool if he doesn't stop teasing her.
• I was on the brink of bailing on the party, but decided to stay for a bit longer.
• The relationship is on the brink of collapse if they don't address their issues soon.

noun a type of colorful bird known for its ability to mimic human speech

• The parrot perched on the branch and began to mimic the sounds around it.
• I love how my parrot always brightens up the room with its colorful feathers.
• That parrot is one chatty bird, always squawking away.
• Her constant repetition of the same phrases made her seem like a parrot.

noun a person who illegally hunts or catches animals, typically for food or profit

• The poacher was apprehended by the authorities for illegally hunting endangered species.
• Did you hear about the poacher who got caught in the national park?
• That poacher is always sneaking around trying to hunt without a permit.
• In the business world, a poacher is someone who tries to steal clients from a competitor.

noun the illegal practice of trespassing on another's property to hunt or steal game

verb to illegally hunt or steal game

• Poaching of endangered species is a serious crime that can result in hefty fines and imprisonment.
• I heard that there's been a lot of poaching happening in the national park lately.
• Those poachers are really messing up the ecosystem.
• Poaching talent from other companies can lead to a lack of innovation within your own organization.

noun reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness

• The sloth is a slow-moving mammal found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
• I saw a cute sloth hanging from a tree in the jungle.
• That guy is such a sloth, always taking forever to get anything done.
• Her laziness made her a sloth when it came to completing tasks.

verb to communicate an intention to inflict harm or loss on someone or something

adjective feeling at risk or in danger

• The company threatened legal action against the competitor for patent infringement.
• He threatened to tell the teacher about our prank if we didn't give him his lunch money.
• The bully threatened to beat him up if he didn't hand over his lunch money.
• The dark clouds threatened rain as we hurried to finish our picnic.

noun A female tiger

• The tigress prowled through the jungle with grace and power.
• Did you see that tigress at the zoo? She was so majestic!
• That tigress is one fierce mama!
• She tackled the project like a tigress, determined and focused.

noun a slow-moving reptile with a hard shell, typically living on land

• The tortoise is a slow-moving reptile that is often found in warm climates.
• I saw a tortoise crossing the road on my way to work today.
• That old tortoise is always taking forever to make a decision.
• He moves at a tortoise's pace when it comes to finishing his work assignments.

adjective An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'uncommon' describes something that is not commonly found or seen.

• It is uncommon for a company to achieve such rapid growth in a short period of time.
• It's pretty uncommon to see a cat and a dog getting along so well.
• Wearing socks with sandals is considered uncommon in this area.
• Finding a truly loyal friend is like discovering a rare and uncommon gem.

noun wildlife

• The conservation efforts aim to protect the wildlife in the national park.
• I love going camping and spotting wildlife in the forest.
• Let's go check out the wildlife at the nature reserve.
• Her creativity was a wild and untamed wildlife of ideas.

noun a member of the order Crocodylia, which includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials

• The crocodilian species includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.
• I saw a huge crocodilian sunbathing by the river.
• Watch out for that crocodilian lurking in the water!
• His smile was like that of a crocodilian, hiding his true intentions.

noun A type of bear found in Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive yellow or orange patch on its chest

• The sun bear is the smallest bear species and is native to Southeast Asia.
• Have you ever seen a sun bear at the zoo? They're so cute!
• That sun bear is a real show-off, always trying to steal the spotlight.
• Her smile was as warm and comforting as the sun bear's fur.

noun a large crocodile native to South Asia, with a long, thin snout and sharp teeth

adjective relating to or characteristic of the gharial

• The gharial is a critically endangered species of crocodile found in parts of India and Nepal.
• I saw a huge gharial sunbathing on the riverbank during my trip to the national park.
• That gharial is one cool-looking reptile, man!
• His sharp wit was like the jaws of a gharial, cutting through the conversation with precision.

noun the large or giant animals of a particular region or period, especially when considered as a group

• The study of megafauna provides valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
• I can't believe how big those megafauna creatures were back in the day!
• Those megafauna beasts were absolute units!
• In the business world, the megafauna are the big players who dominate the market.

noun A tropical American bird with a long straight bill, typically vividly colored and with metallic plumage.

• The jacamar is a beautiful bird known for its vibrant colors and long beak.
• I was lucky enough to spot a jacamar while hiking in the rainforest.
• That jacamar is one cool bird, dude!
• Her singing voice was as melodious as a jacamar's call.

noun a person who studies reptiles and amphibians

• The herpetologist conducted a study on the behavior of snakes in their natural habitat.
• My friend who is a herpetologist just got back from a research trip to study lizards.
• That guy is a total herpetologist, he's obsessed with reptiles!
• As a herpetologist of human behavior, she could read people like a book.

noun a type of deer that is known for its ability to blend in with its surroundings by resembling a leaf

• The leaf deer is a small herbivorous mammal found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
• I heard that the leaf deer is really good at camouflaging itself among the trees.
• Check out that leaf deer blending in with the bushes like a pro!
• She moved through the party like a leaf deer, graceful and unnoticed by most.

noun a genus of birds of prey that includes various hawks and goshawks

• The accipiter is a genus of birds of prey that includes various species of hawks and eagles.
• I saw an accipiter swooping down to catch its prey while I was hiking.
• That accipiter is one fierce bird, always on the hunt for food.
• His sharp eyes and quick movements were likened to that of an accipiter in the business world.

noun Achatinella is a genus of tree snails native to Hawaii.

• Achatinella is a genus of tree snails endemic to Hawaii.
• I saw a cute little achatinella crawling on the tree outside.
• Those achatinella snails are so tiny and adorable!
• The achatinella snail moved slowly, resembling a delicate piece of art in motion.

noun a genus of cats that includes the cheetah, known for their speed and agility

• The acinonyx is a species of big cat known for its incredible speed.
• I saw an acinonyx at the zoo today, it was so fast!
• That acinonyx is one cool cat, dude.
• The acinonyx of the business world, always one step ahead of the competition.

noun a type of fish belonging to the family Acipenseridae, which includes sturgeons and paddlefish

• The acipenserid family includes sturgeons, which are known for their long lifespans.
• I read that acipenserids can live for over 100 years!
• Those acipenserids are like the grandpas of the fish world, living so long.
• The acipenserid's ancient lineage is like a living fossil in the modern world.

noun a fish belonging to the sturgeon family (Acipenseridae)

adjective relating to or characteristic of the sturgeon family of fish (Acipenseridae)

• The acipenserine fish is known for its long lifespan and slow growth rate.
• Have you ever seen an acipenserine fish in person? They're huge!
• That acipenserine fish is a real tank, it could probably eat us whole!
• The acipenserine symbolizes longevity and wisdom in many cultures.

noun a genus of small polyp stony corals, typically with branching or plate-like growth forms

• Acropora is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria.
• I saw some beautiful acropora corals while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.
• Check out those acropora frags, they're so cool!
• The acropora branches of our project represent the interconnectedness of different ideas.

noun a large pale-colored desert antelope with long horns that are almost straight and parallel to the body, found in North Africa and the Sahara Desert

• The addax is a rare desert antelope known for its distinctive twisted horns.
• I heard there's an addax exhibit at the zoo, wanna check it out?
• That addax is one cool-looking animal, man.
• The addax symbolizes resilience in the harsh desert environment.

noun a type of gazelle found in Africa, known for its distinctive white markings and long, slender horns

• The Addra gazelle is a critically endangered species found in West Africa.
• I saw a beautiful Addra gazelle at the zoo yesterday.
• Check out that cool Addra gazelle over there!
• Her grace and elegance on the dance floor reminded me of an Addra gazelle.

noun a wild goat species native to the mountains of the Middle East and Central Asia

• The aegagrus is a wild goat species native to the Middle East.
• I heard that aegagrus are really good climbers.
• Those aegagrus are some tough little critters.
• He's as stubborn as an aegagrus when he sets his mind to something.

noun Aegypiidae - a taxonomic family of Old World vultures

• The Aegypiidae family consists of large birds of prey commonly known as Old World vultures.
• I saw an Aegypiidae bird circling in the sky earlier today.
• Check out that Aegypiidae bird, it's massive!
• The Aegypiidae family swooped in to clean up the mess after the scandal.

noun a type of fox native to Afghanistan

• The afghan fox is a rare species found in the mountains of Afghanistan.
• I heard that the afghan fox is really good at blending into its surroundings.
• Check out that afghan fox, it's so fluffy!
• She moved through the party like a sleek afghan fox, graceful and mysterious.

noun African elephant

• The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth.
• Did you know that African elephants have the largest ears of any elephant species?
• That African elephant is one big dude!
• The African elephant in the room is the issue no one wants to talk about.

noun african hunting dog

• The African hunting dog, also known as the painted wolf, is a highly efficient predator.
• Have you ever seen an African hunting dog in action? They're amazing!
• That African hunting dog is one cool customer.
• She's like an African hunting dog, always on the hunt for new opportunities.

noun a type of lizard belonging to the family Agamidae, which includes over 300 species

adjective relating to or characteristic of agamids

• The agamid lizard is known for its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings.
• I saw a cool agamid lizard at the zoo today.
• That agamid is one funky looking lizard!
• Her ability to adapt and blend in like an agamid lizard is truly remarkable.