What is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data Book, is an inventory that documents the global conservation status and extinction risk of biological species. It was established in 1964 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

When was the IUCN Red List established?

The IUCN Red List was established in 1964.

What are the main objectives of the IUCN Red List?

The primary goals of the IUCN Red List are to provide scientifically grounded information on species' status and extinction risk, to highlight the significance of threatened biodiversity, to inform policy decisions at national and international levels, and to guide conservation efforts.

Who is the parent organization responsible for the IUCN Red List?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the parent organization responsible for the IUCN Red List.

Where is the headquarters of the IUCN Red List located?

The headquarters of the IUCN Red List is situated in Cambridge, England.

What is the official language used for the IUCN Red List?

The official language for the IUCN Red List is English.

Which organizations play a significant role in assessing species for the IUCN Red List?

Major species assessors for the IUCN Red List include BirdLife International, the Institute of Zoology (part of the Zoological Society of London), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and various Specialist Groups within the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC). These entities collectively contribute to nearly half of the species assessments found on the Red List.

How often does the IUCN aim to reassess the conservation status of species?

The IUCN aims to re-evaluate the conservation status of each species at least once every ten years, with a preference for doing so every five years if feasible. This process is conducted through peer review by IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups, which serve as Red List Authorities.

As of 2023, what is the total number of species surveyed for the IUCN Red List, and how many are at risk of extinction?

As of 2023, the IUCN Red List has surveyed 150,388 species. Out of these, 42,108 species are identified as being at risk of extinction due to human activities.

What are the primary human activities contributing to the extinction risk of species listed on the IUCN Red List?

The primary human activities identified as contributing to the extinction risk of species are overfishing, hunting, and land development.

Who initially proposed the concept of a Red Data Book?

The concept for a Red Data Book was initially proposed by Peter Scott in 1963.

Describe the format and purpose of the Red Data Lists published between 1966 and 1977.

The Red Data Lists published from 1966 to 1977 were initially designed for specialists and were issued in a loose-leaf format, allowing for easy updates and modifications to the information.

What taxa were covered in the first two volumes of the Red Lists published in 1966?

The first two volumes of the Red Lists, published in 1966 by Noel Simon, covered mammals and birds, respectively.

Who compiled the 1968 Red List volume on amphibians and reptiles?

René E. Honegger compiled the third volume of the Red Lists, published in 1968, which focused on amphibians and reptiles.

What was significant about the Red Data List volume published in 1970?

The Red Data List volume published in 1970 was notable as it was the first in the series to focus exclusively on plants, specifically angiosperms, and was compiled by Ronald Melville.

Which group of species was covered in the final loose-leaf Red Data List volume published in 1979?

The final volume in the loose-leaf Red Data List series, published in 1979, covered freshwater fishes and was compiled by Robert Rush Miller.

What was the purpose of 'The Red Book: Wildlife in Danger' published in 1969?

'The Red Book: Wildlife in Danger,' published in 1969, was the first attempt to create a Red Data Book accessible to a non-specialist audience, covering various species groups with a primary focus on mammals and birds.

What change in classification occurred for certain gorilla species in the 2007 IUCN Red List release?

In the 2007 release of the IUCN Red List, both the Western Lowland Gorilla and the Cross River Gorilla were reclassified from the 'Endangered' category to 'Critically Endangered', signifying an extremely high risk of extinction.

What factors contributed to the elevated threat status of the Western Lowland and Cross River Gorillas in 2007?

The elevated threat status of these gorilla species in 2007 was attributed to factors including the impact of Ebola virus, poaching, and other contributing elements.

What alarming conclusion about mammals was highlighted by the 2008 IUCN Red List release?

The 2008 IUCN Red List release confirmed a significant extinction crisis among mammals, revealing that nearly one in four species (1,141 out of 5,487) were threatened with extinction.

What were the key statistics reported in the 2012 IUCN Red List update?

The 2012 IUCN Red List update added nearly 2,000 species, listed 4 species as extinct and 2 as rediscovered. It assessed a total of 63,837 species, finding 19,817 threatened with extinction, including 3,947 critically endangered, 5,766 endangered, and over 10,000 vulnerable.

Which taxonomic groups were identified as particularly vulnerable in the 2012 IUCN Red List assessment?

The 2012 assessment highlighted that 41% of amphibian species, 33% of reef-building corals, 30% of conifers, 25% of mammals, and 13% of birds were threatened.

How does the IUCN Red List categorize species based on their extinction risk?

The IUCN Red List categorizes species into nine distinct groups based on criteria such as the rate of population decline, population size, geographic distribution, and the degree of fragmentation. These categories range from Extinct (EX) to Not Evaluated (NE).

What do the 'Extinct' (EX) and 'Extinct in the Wild' (EW) categories signify on the IUCN Red List?

The 'Extinct' (EX) category indicates that there is no reasonable doubt a species no longer exists. The 'Extinct in the Wild' (EW) category signifies that a species survives only in captivity or outside its natural habitat, based on exhaustive surveys.

What is the definition of the 'Critically Endangered' (CR) category on the IUCN Red List?

The 'Critically Endangered' (CR) category designates species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, indicating they are in a particularly critical state.

Under what conditions is a species classified as 'Endangered' (EN) on the IUCN Red List?

A species is classified as 'Endangered' (EN) if it meets any of the five criteria outlined by the Red List, signifying a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

What does the 'Vulnerable' (VU) classification mean for a species on the IUCN Red List?

The 'Vulnerable' (VU) classification means a species meets one of the Red List criteria, indicating it is at high risk of suffering extinction in the wild due to human-caused threats if conservation measures are not implemented.

What does the 'Near Threatened' (NT) category indicate about a species?

The 'Near Threatened' (NT) category signifies that a species is close to qualifying for a threatened category (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) and may become threatened in the near future if current trends continue.

Which IUCN Red List category is assigned to species that are widespread and abundant?

Species that are widespread and abundant in the wild are assigned the 'Least Concern' (LC) category, indicating they are not currently facing a high risk of extinction.

What does the 'Data Deficient' (DD) category imply about a species' assessment?

The 'Data Deficient' (DD) category is applied when there is insufficient information available to adequately assess a species' risk of extinction.

What is the purpose of the 'Not Evaluated' (NE) category on the IUCN Red List?

The 'Not Evaluated' (NE) category is used for species that have not yet undergone an assessment process by the IUCN Red List.

How did the IUCN Red List's categorization system evolve from the 1994 framework to the 2001 framework?

The 2001 framework revised the 1994 system by establishing 'Near Threatened' and 'Least Concern' as distinct categories, replacing the single 'Lower Risk' category. The 'Conservation Dependent' subcategory was also removed and its contents merged into 'Near Threatened'.

What is the significance of the 'Possibly Extinct' (PE) tag within the IUCN Red List context?

The 'Possibly Extinct' (PE) tag, primarily used by BirdLife International for birds, indicates a strong suspicion that a species may be extinct, pending definitive confirmation. This tag has been adopted by the IUCN for critically endangered species.

What does the 'Possibly Extinct in the Wild' (PEW) tag denote?

The 'Possibly Extinct in the Wild' (PEW) tag is used for species whose populations are believed to exist only in captivity or cultivation, with a high probability of being extinct in their natural habitat.

What are the different versions of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria that have been published?

The IUCN Red List has seen several versions of its categories and criteria, including Version 1.0 (1991), 2.0 (1992), 2.1 (1993), 2.2 (1994), 2.3 (1994), 3.0 (1999), and 3.1 (2001). Since 2001, all new assessments have utilized version 3.1.

What criticism regarding data secrecy was directed at the IUCN Red List in 1997?

In 1997, the IUCN Red List faced criticism concerning the perceived secrecy and inadequate documentation surrounding the sources used for its data.

How has the IUCN addressed criticisms about data secrecy and documentation?

In response to criticisms, the IUCN has implemented measures to enhance its documentation practices and improve data quality, including the integration of peer reviews for taxa listed on the Red List.

What potential misuse of the IUCN Red List was discussed in a 2002 publication?

A 2002 article suggested that the IUCN Red List and similar resources could be misused by governments and other entities to draw potentially flawed conclusions about environmental conditions or to justify the exploitation of natural resources.

What were the main points raised by a 2016 research article in *Science Advances* concerning the IUCN Red List's classification methods?

A 2016 study published in *Science Advances* claimed significant inconsistencies in the IUCN's species classification process, deeming it outdated. The researchers highlighted the need for accessible geospatial data and suggested that incorporating such data could lead to reclassifying more species into higher risk categories.

What does the term 'threatened' encompass within the IUCN Red List classification system?

Within the IUCN Red List system, the term 'threatened' collectively refers to species categorized as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU).

What is the function of Regional Red Lists?

Regional Red Lists are assessments developed by specific countries or organizations to evaluate the extinction risk of species within defined political or management boundaries.

Besides its official name, what other name is the IUCN Red List commonly known by?

The IUCN Red List is also commonly known as the Red Data Book.

What does the image of the IUCN Red List logo signify?

The image identified as 'IUCN Red List.svg' represents the official logo for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, serving as its branding.

What information is conveyed by the image titled 'IUCN Red List - December 2023.svg'?

The image 'IUCN Red List - December 2023.svg' visually presents the proportion of species within various groups that are classified as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable according to the 2023 IUCN Red List, while also noting potential data limitations for certain groups.

What role do Specialist Groups of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) play in the Red List process?

Specialist Groups within the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) function as Red List Authorities (RLAs), responsible for assessing and reassessing the status of specific species or groups of species through a peer-reviewed process.

What was the 'Conservation Dependent' (CD) category in the older IUCN Red List frameworks?

The 'Conservation Dependent' (CD) category, which existed under the 'Lower Risk' (LR) classification in the 1994 framework, identified species requiring specific conservation actions to prevent extinction. This category was removed in the 2001 revision.

What is the implication of the IUCN formally adopting the 'Possibly Extinct' tag?

The formal adoption of the 'Possibly Extinct' tag by the IUCN indicates a standardized approach to classifying species suspected of extinction, reflecting an effort to improve the accuracy and completeness of extinction data.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section found in Wikipedia articles?

The 'Authority control' section in Wikipedia articles links to external databases and library catalogs, providing unique identifiers for the subject and facilitating connections to related information across different knowledge systems for consistency and discovery.

What kind of content is typically found in the 'See also' section of a Wikipedia article?

The 'See also' section lists related Wikipedia articles that readers might find useful for further exploration, helping to provide a broader context and deeper understanding of the topic.

What is the intended use of the Q&A document generated from the IUCN Red List article?

The Q&A document is intended to serve as a verified factual briefing for a senior AI editor, structuring the information from the Wikipedia article to facilitate the creation of quiz questions and flashcards for educational purposes.

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Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, established in 1964, serves as a comprehensive inventory cataloging the global conservation status and extinction risk of biological species. It is complemented by Regional Red Lists that assess extinction risks within specific political or geographical boundaries.^[1]

Core Objectives

The primary objectives of the Red List are to provide scientifically rigorous information on species status, highlight the severity of biodiversity threats, inform policy and decision-making processes at national and international levels, and guide conservation actions.^[2]

Collaborative Assessment

Major species assessments are conducted by organizations such as BirdLife International, the Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London), the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and numerous Specialist Groups within the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC). These collaborative efforts account for a significant portion of the species evaluated on the Red List.^[3]

Re-evaluation Cycle

The IUCN endeavors to re-evaluate the conservation status of each species at least every ten years, with a preference for a five-year cycle where feasible. This process is conducted through peer review, typically managed by the IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups, which act as Red List Authorities (RLAs) responsible for specific taxa or regions.^[3]

Current Scope

As of recent assessments, a substantial number of species have been evaluated. For instance, in 2023, over 150,000 species were surveyed, with a significant proportion, approximately 42,108, identified as being at risk of extinction due to anthropogenic factors like overfishing, hunting, and land development.^[5]^[6]

Conservation Categories

Extinct Categories

These categories denote species that are no longer extant or are critically endangered in the wild.

Extinct (EX): No reasonable doubt that the species is extinct.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): Survives only in captivity or outside its native range.

Threatened Categories

Species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, meeting specific quantitative criteria.

Critically Endangered (CR): Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered (EN): Very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable (VU): High risk of extinction in the wild.

Collectively, these three categories are referred to as "Threatened" species.^[24]

Lower Risk & Data Deficient

Species that are not currently threatened but may be at risk in the future, or those for which insufficient data exists.

Near Threatened (NT): Close to qualifying for a threatened category.
Least Concern (LC): Widespread and abundant.
Data Deficient (DD): Inadequate information to assess risk.
Not Evaluated (NE): Has not yet been assessed.

Older frameworks included "Conservation Dependent" (CD) and "Lower Risk" (LR) subcategories.^[23]

Historical Development

Early Concepts

The foundational concept for a Red Data Book was proposed by Sir Peter Scott in 1963. The initial Red Lists, published from 1966 to 1977, were designed for specialists and issued in a flexible loose-leaf format. Early volumes covered mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and flowering plants.^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11]^[12]

Public Awareness

An early attempt to reach a broader audience was the 1969 publication, The Red Book: Wildlife in Danger. This volume provided a more accessible overview of threatened species across various groups.^[13]

Key Milestones

Significant updates and releases have marked the Red List's evolution:

2006: Evaluation of over 40,000 species.^[14]
2007: Upgraded status for gorillas and orangutans, highlighting primate endangerment.^[15]
2008: Confirmed a global mammal extinction crisis.^[16]
2012: Released at Rio+20, adding nearly 2,000 species and noting declining conservation status for many.^[17]^[18]^[19]

Critiques and Refinements

Data Transparency

In 1997, the IUCN Red List faced criticism regarding the perceived lack of transparency and documentation surrounding its data sources. This spurred efforts within the IUCN to enhance data quality, improve documentation practices, and incorporate more rigorous peer-review processes for taxa assessments.^[31]

Potential Misuse

A 2002 article in Trends in Ecology & Evolution suggested that the Red List, along with similar initiatives, could be susceptible to misuse by governmental and other entities, potentially leading to the drawing of inappropriate conclusions about environmental states or influencing resource exploitation.^[33]

Methodological Concerns

A 2016 study published in Science Advances highlighted significant inconsistencies in species classification methods employed by the IUCN. The researchers argued that the categorization process was potentially outdated and could be improved by integrating readily available geospatial data, such as satellite and aerial imagery, which might lead to reclassifying more species into higher risk categories.^[34]

List Versions

Evolution of Categories

The IUCN Red List has undergone several revisions to refine its categories and criteria for assessing extinction risk. Key versions include:

Version 1.0 (1991)
Version 2.0 (1992)
Version 2.1 (1993)
Version 2.2 (1994)
Version 2.3 (1994)
Version 3.0 (1999)
Version 3.1 (2001)

Since 2001, all new assessments have utilized Version 3.1 of the categories and criteria.^[29]^[30]

Category Distribution

Visualizations of the Red List data illustrate the distribution of species across different threat levels. For example, the 2023 data indicates that a substantial percentage of assessed species fall into threatened categories, underscoring the ongoing biodiversity crisis.^[5]

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References

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), Joint Meeting of the Animals and Plants Committees, Shepherdstown (United States of America), 7â9 December 2000, Retrieved 14 November 2012.

A full list of references for this article are available at the IUCN Red List Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information represents a snapshot and may not be entirely exhaustive or current.

This is not professional conservation advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for expert consultation with conservation biologists, ecologists, or relevant authorities. Always consult official IUCN documentation and qualified professionals for specific conservation planning or assessment needs.

The creators of this educational resource are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

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Conservation Status ℹ️

🌍 The IUCN Red List

🎯 Core Objectives

🤝 Collaborative Assessment

⏳ Re-evaluation Cycle

📊 Current Scope

Conservation Categories 🏷️

🚫 Extinct Categories

🚨 Threatened Categories

⚠️ Lower Risk & Data Deficient

Historical Development ⏳

📜 Early Concepts

📖 Public Awareness

📈 Key Milestones

Critiques and Refinements ⚠️

❓ Data Transparency

⚖️ Potential Misuse

📊 Methodological Concerns

List Versions 📜

🔢 Evolution of Categories

📊 Category Distribution

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List

Core Objectives

Collaborative Assessment

Re-evaluation Cycle

Current Scope

Conservation Categories

Extinct Categories

Threatened Categories

Lower Risk & Data Deficient

Historical Development

Early Concepts

Public Awareness

Key Milestones

Critiques and Refinements

Data Transparency

Potential Misuse

Methodological Concerns

List Versions

Evolution of Categories

Category Distribution

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice