Table of Contents
Description and Summary of the IUCN Red List Website
“The IUCN Red List tells us where we ought to be concerned and where the urgent needs are to do something to prevent the despoliation of this world. It is a great agenda for the work of conservationists.” Sir David Attenborough
Website:
Description:
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, established in 1964, is managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This website section provides an overview of the historical development and significance of the Red List, which is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Extinct (EX) | No known individuals remaining. |
| Extinct in the Wild (EW) | Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity, or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. |
| Critically Endangered (CR) | Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Endangered (EN) | Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Vulnerable (VU) | Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Near Threatened (NT) | Close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. |
| Least Concern (LC) | Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. |
| Data Deficient (DD) | There is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. |
| Not Evaluated (NE) | A taxon is Not Evaluated when it has not yet been assessed against the criteria. |
These categories help in determining the conservation status of species, guiding conservation actions, and informing policy decisions. Each category except for “Not Evaluated” and “Data Deficient” provides a clear indication of the level of threat to a species' survival. The criteria for each category are based on quantitative thresholds for population size, geographic range, and rates of decline, among others.
Summary:
- Purpose and Evolution: Initially aimed at drawing attention to species under threat, the Red List has grown into a comprehensive tool not only for assessing risk of extinction but also for informing conservation strategies, policy-making, and public awareness. It now covers animal, fungi, and plant species, assessing their extinction risk based on scientific data.
- Global Impact: The Red List is utilized by various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, educators, and businesses. It has evolved from listing species to providing detailed information on species' habitats, population trends, threats, and conservation actions.
- Process and Collaboration: The compilation of the Red List involves a massive collaborative effort, including the IUCN's Species Survival Commission, partner organizations, and a network of experts. This collective endeavor ensures the Red List's credibility and utility in conservation efforts worldwide.
- Current Status: As of recent updates, the Red List has assessed over 150,000 species, with a significant portion identified as being at risk of extinction, highlighting the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
- Historical Milestones: Key developments include expanding assessments to cover entire taxonomic groups like mammals, amphibians, and birds, and the introduction of regional assessments and the Green Status of Species for additional conservation insights.
The background and history section of the site underscores the Red List's role in global conservation, emphasizing its evolution from a simple list to a critical conservation tool.