Vulnerable (VU) is a conservation status assigned by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to species or lower taxa that are likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction and vulnerable species are closely monitored.

Examples of vulnerable species are: Polar Bear, Cheetah, Dingo, Lion, Humpback Whale and the African Elephant.

Also see:
Data Deficient
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct