Which species is currently under immediate threat of becoming endangered?

Options

A. bear
B. White rhino
C. Snow leopard
D. Monarch butterfly

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a species that is currently under immediate threat of becoming endangered. This means we need to identify a species that is not yet classified as endangered but is at risk of becoming so soon.

2. **Categories of Threatened Species**: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes species based on their risk of extinction. The relevant categories include:
- **Threatened**: Species that are likely to become endangered in the near future.
- **Endangered**: Species that are facing a very high risk of extinction.
- **Vulnerable**: Species that are at risk but not as critically as endangered species.
- **Near Threatened**: Species that are close to qualifying for a threatened category.

3. **Evaluating the Options**: The question provides several species to consider. We need to evaluate each one based on their current conservation status:
- **Bear**: The population has declined by 50%, indicating it is at risk and could be classified as threatened.
- **White Rhino**: Classified as Near Threatened, which means it is not currently endangered but is close to being so.
- **Snow Leopard**: Classified as Vulnerable, meaning it is at risk but not yet endangered.
- **Monarch Butterfly**: This species is classified as endangered, meaning it is already at high risk of extinction.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Among the options, the bear is the only species that is currently under immediate threat of becoming endangered due to its significant population decline.

5. **Conclusion**: The species that is currently under immediate threat of becoming endangered is the bear.