Vulnerable species are taxa of various types, including: (a) taxa believed likely to move into the “endangered” category in the near future if the relevant causal factors continue to operate. These factors may include overexploitation, extensive destruction of habitat and other environmental disturbances, (b) taxa with populations that have been seriously depleted and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured, and (c) taxa with populations that are still abundant but are under threat from severe adverse factors throughout their range.