target species

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A species that a particular action, plan, or study is aimed at.

   Grammar: Countable, but the plural is usually the same as the singular: 'two target species'.

   Patterns

   • the target species for something
   • a target species of something
   • protect a target species

   The reserve was created to protect the target species, a rare butterfly.

   Researchers recorded the number of target species in each pond.

   The target species for the fishing ban is cod.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   In hunting or pest control, the animal that is intended to be caught or killed.

   Grammar: Used in the same way as the first sense, but in the context of hunting or control.

   Patterns

   • the target species for hunters
   • identify the target species

   Hunters must be sure of the target species before shooting.

   The poison is designed to affect only the target species.

Common combinations

protect a target species

New laws aim to protect the target species from illegal trade.

identify a target species

Biologists first identify the target species in the area.

the main target species

The main target species is the Atlantic salmon.

target species for conservation

The panda is a target species for conservation groups.

Synonyms and how they differ

focal species

Used in ecology for a species chosen to represent a whole habitat; 'target species' is broader and can refer to any aim.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “target species”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words