---
title: "IUCN Vulnerable (VU) Category: Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The IUCN Vulnerable (VU) category identifies species at high risk of extinction, crucial for conservation efforts and policy research."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/iucn-vulnerable-category"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Vulnerable (VU) is the IUCN Red List threat category for species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild based on quantitative criteria.
- How does Vulnerable differ from Endangered and Critically Endangered on the Red List?
- Does an IUCN Vulnerable listing create legal protection for a species?
- What are the five criteria used to classify a species as Vulnerable?
- Why was the giant panda moved from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2016?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Vulnerable (VU) is the IUCN Red List threat category for species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild based on quantitative criteria.

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In 2017 the IUCN downlisted the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) from Endangered to Vulnerable, citing revised population estimates, a decision the Snow Leopard Trust publicly cautioned against treating as cause for reduced protection.

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