When is Jeopardy likely to occur?

Jeopardy is likely to occur when an action is expected to diminish a species' likelihood of survival and recovery. This reflects the legal standard used in environmental law, particularly the Endangered Species Act, which aims to protect threatened and endangered species. The concept of jeopardy addresses the potential for an action—such as habitat destruction, pollution, or other environmental impacts—to significantly harm a species' ability to thrive and repopulate.

When analyzing the health of a species from a conservation perspective, the focus is on both its current numbers and the future viability of its populations. If an action is anticipated to lower the chances of surviving not just in the short term, but also in the long term, it raises serious concerns about jeopardizing the species. This is fundamental to establishing the protections required under law for both the species and their habitats.

The other options touch on related but distinct concepts. While they are important considerations in evaluating the impacts of actions on species, they do not fully encapsulate the overarching principle of 'jeopardy' as it pertains to long-term survival and recovery.