RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES

• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant, animal, and fungi species. 
• Managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it plays a pivotal role in assessing the extinction risk faced by thousands of species and guiding conservation actions and policy decisions across the globe.
• This Red List categorizes species into nine different levels of conservation status, reflecting the severity of threat they face in the wild — from species that are doing well to those already extinct.

The Nine IUCN Red List Categories

• The categories are arranged in increasing order of extinction risk:

NE – Not Evaluated

• These are species that have not yet been assessed against the IUCN criteria.
• Many newly discovered or poorly studied species fall into this group.

DD – Data Deficient

• There is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of extinction risk.
• The species may be well-studied but lack data on abundance or distribution.
• Example: Deep-sea species often fall into this category due to research difficulties.

LC – Least Concern

• Species are widespread and abundant.
• These are not currently facing any significant threat of extinction.
• Example: House sparrow, gray wolf.

NT – Near Threatened

• Species that are close to being threatened or are likely to become threatened in the near future.
• Example: Southern ground hornbill (in parts of Africa).

VU – Vulnerable

• Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Usually caused by habitat loss, over-exploitation, or declining population.
• Example: Indian elephant, polar bear.

EN – Endangered

• These species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Their population has declined significantly, or they have a very limited range.
• Example: Snow leopard, green sea turtle.

CR – Critically Endangered

• These species face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.
• Even small disturbances can be catastrophic for their survival.
• Example: Javan rhino, vaquita porpoise.

EW – Extinct in the Wild

• These species are known to survive only in captivity or outside their natural range.
• Reintroduction to their native habitats may be planned but not always successful.
• Example: Spix’s macaw (prior to reintroduction efforts).

EX – Extinct

• No reasonable doubt remains that the last individual has died.
• Often, extinction is declared after exhaustive surveys fail to locate any individuals.
• Example: Dodo, passenger pigeon.

Recent Status Changes: Species Now at Greater Risk

• The IUCN regularly updates the Red List based on new scientific data and field research. Several species have recently had their conservation status updated due to increasing threats:

La Gomera Giant Lizard (Gallotia bravoana)

• New Status: Endangered (previously Critically Endangered)
• Location: La Gomera Island, Canary Islands, Spain
• Reason for Update: Conservation programs have helped improve its survival outlook.

Copiapoa Cacti

• Status: 82% of Copiapoa species are now threatened.
• Details: These ornamental cacti are native to the Atacama Desert in Chile and face habitat degradation and illegal collection.

Gran Canaria Giant Lizard

• New Status: Critically Endangered (previously Least Concern)
• Location: Canary Islands, Spain
• Reason: Population decline due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species.

Gran Canaria Skink

• New Status: Endangered (previously Least Concern)
• Location: Canary Islands, Spain
• Reason: Threatened by urbanization and agricultural expansion.

Ibiza Wall Lizard

• New Status: Endangered (previously Near Threatened)
• Location: Found only on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera (Spain)
• Reason: Habitat loss and increasing pressure from invasive species.

Bornean Elephant

• Status: Endangered
• Details: The smallest subspecies of elephant with a broad face, found on Borneo and parts of Sumatra.
• Threats: Deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat fragmentation.

Why the Red List Matters

• The Red List does more than just classify species. It acts as:
• A scientific guide for conservation priorities
• A policy tool for governments and NGOs
• A warning system for environmental crises
• A tracking mechanism for progress under international treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)