The phrase "imminent extinction" means that something, such as a species or a certain type of animal, is in immediate danger of disappearing completely from the Earth. Full definition
Canada's 50 remaining lighthouse keepers are no longer facing imminent extinction. (canadianbusiness.com)
Not every potential project makes sense: The researchers offer a list of conditions under which such assisted colonization would be appropriate, including imminent extinction, feasibility and a favorable cost — benefit analysis. (scientificamerican.com)
The law does not require imminent extinction for a species to be endangered, he concluded, and instructed the Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider its reasons for listing the bear as threatened. (sciencemag.org)