an endangered species

endangered species

1. Literally, a species that is in danger of becoming extinct. Once an endangered species, these majestic creatures have made a great comeback with the help of preservation efforts.
2. By extension, something that is already very rare or could soon become rare. I worry that this type of work will soon be an endangered species if funding keeps getting cut.
See also: endanger, species
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

an endangered species

If you describe something as an endangered species, you mean that there are not many of them left. Business class is in danger of becoming an endangered species, except on long flights. Bassoons, oboes and the big brass instruments are endangered species because children do not want to play them. Note: This expression comes from the literal meaning of a plant or animal that is likely to die out soon.
See also: endanger, species
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • endanger
  • endangered species
  • species
  • survival
  • survival of the fittest
  • (the) survival of the fittest
  • cohabit
  • cohabit with
  • cohabit with (someone or something)
  • die out
References in periodicals archive
The confiscated animals are not only an endangered species but are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, Class 1.
For example, discussion prompts can include: "What is an endangered species? Why is it important to protect endangered species?
The initiative includes an endangered species tour and people will be asked to create their own masks and contribute their pictures for a collage to be put on display around a fence specifically designed for this activity at the zoo, said an official of the zoo.
In addition, websites are provided to read (see links below) for a case study about an endangered species controversy such as the snail darter of Tennessee or the spotted owl of the Pacific Northwest (Murchison, 2007; Primack, 2010).
They allow for the approval of activities that contravene other sections of the act, including those that prohibit the possession of an endangered species or its habitat.
If the petition is successful, this will be the first listing of a marine fish as an endangered species in New England.
They are an endangered species in the North East CUTE creatures are set to be given a helping hand to thrive in the North East.
"It's outside all international norms to hunt an endangered species," says Susan Lieberman, director of WWF's Rome-based Global Species Program.
When Soluk started studying an endangered species called the Hine's emerald dragonfly, for example, he was puzzled: Sometimes these dragonflies were easy to find, but at other times they were impossible to locate.
Killing an endangered species can result in a fine of up to $50,000, or a prison sentence of up to one year.
"If a crisis occurs with an endangered species on government land, the government often can't just step in and fix the problem.
Elephant destiny; biography of an endangered species in Africa.
Fish and Wildlife Service, the Service established an Endangered Species Recovery Champions recognition campaign in 2002.
An endangered species of beetle has been sighted for the first time in a Midland county.
Yet if landholders provide suitable habitat for an endangered species, they run the risk of their property being subject to severe government regulations, many of which constrain land from being used profitably.