Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) Vulnerable

Photography © brett211 CC BY-SA 2.0

THE IUCN RED LIST OF

THREATENED SPECIES™
 The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species™ is the world’s most
comprehensive information source
on the global conservation status
of animal, fungi and plant species
and their links to livelihoods.

Our goal is to catalyse action

for biodiversity conservation
by providing information
and analysis on the world’s
species, including threats,
population status and trends.

“The IUCN Red List is a wake-up call, reminding us that

our natural world is becoming increasingly vulnerable. We
know that effective conservation can yield outstanding
results, saving species from extinction while securing
the livelihoods of local communities. The international
community must urgently step up conservation efforts
if we want to secure this fascinating diversity of life
that sustains, inspires and amazes us every day.”

Inger Andersen, IUCN Director General

(International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Eyelash Frog (Ceratobatrachus guentheri) Least Concern

Photography © Robin Moore
About The IUCN Red List About The IUCN Red List

NOT DATA LEAST NEAR CRITICALLY EXTINCT

EVALUATED DEFICIENT CONCERN THREATENED
VULNERABLE ENDANGERED ENDANGERED IN THE WILD
EXTINCT

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Endangered

Photography © Kathryn Pintus

About The IUCN Red List IUCN Red List Index

The IUCN Red List is a rich compendium Species assessments are conducted The IUCN Red List Index (RLI) reveals The RLI is calculated from the genuine
of information on threats, ecological following a standardized process using trends in the overall extinction risk changes in IUCN Red List Categories
requirements, and habitats of species; the rigorous IUCN Red List Categories of species and provides an indicator of all assessed species in a taxon over
and on conservation actions that can be and Criteria, ensuring the highest that is used by governments to track time. A decreasing RLI value means
taken to reduce or prevent extinctions. standards of scientific documentation, their progress in achieving targets the expected rate of extinctions is
information management, expert that reduce biodiversity loss. increasing (i.e. the rate of biodiversity
It is based on an objective system review, and justification. loss is increasing). An upward trend or
for assessing the risk of extinction The Red List Index has been increasing RLI value means that there
of a species based on past, There are eight IUCN Red List Categories adopted by the United Nations as is a decrease in expected future rate
present, and projected threats. based on criteria linked to population one of the indicators for the 2015 of species extinctions (i.e. a reduction
trend, size and structure, and geographic Millennium Development Goal 7 in the rate of biodiversity loss).
range. Species listed as Critically on environmental sustainability.
Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable
are collectively described as threatened. It is also a useful tool for assessing
progress towards achieving Target
12 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Species on The IUCN Red List

More than 77,300 species have

63% of Cycads
threatened 41% of Amphibians
threatened

been assessed on The IUCN Red

List. This figure includes most of
the known species of amphibians;
birds; mammals; angelfish;
butterflyfish; crocodilians;
freshwater crabs and crayfish;
groupers; gymnosperms En
(including cycads and conifers);
d
ce re
ph ge Ps
ala an eu d
r to nd dop e re
lobsters; mangroves; marine
s lae yE ang
vifolius – Cri ticall hila ut
us ta nu – End

turtles; parrotfish; reef-building

corals; seagrasses; seasnakes;
sharks and rays; tunas and
billfishes; and wrasses. 33% of Reef-building
Corals threatened 34% of Conifers
threatened

The results are disturbing with

several species groups facing
a severe threat of extinction.

Ac d Ne
ro re d
po
ra p an
ge oc
alli ere
alma nd trop ang
t a – C r i ti c a l l y E s i s p a n c h e ri – E n d

“The services and economic value that

species provide are irreplaceable and
essential to our well-being. Unless we live
within the limits set by nature, and manage
our natural resources sustainably, more
25% of Mammals
threatened 13% of Birds
threatened

and more species will be driven towards

extinction. If we ignore our responsibility
we will compromise our own survival.”
Dr Jane Smart
Director, IUCN Global Species Programme

M d
Ta er re
d gu
r siu ere so ge
s tu g cto an
mpa dan s eta End
r a – C ri t i c a ll y E n c e u s – C r i t i c a ll y
About The IUCN Red List

How is The IUCN

Red List used?
The IUCN Red List Partnership Guide scientific research Inform Policy and Conventions

Working together for conservation Scientific journals regularly cite The IUCN Red List is used to inform
The IUCN Red List in peer-reviewed decisions taken by Multilateral
The IUCN Red List is produced literature. Each year numerous new Environmental Agreements. It is often
and managed by the IUCN Global conservation articles examine the values used as a guide to revise the annexes
Species Programme, the Species of The IUCN Red List and refer to its of some agreements, such as the
Survival Commission (SSC) and important contribution to conservation Convention on International Trade in
The IUCN Red List Partnership. planning. Downloads of IUCN Red Endangered Species (CITES) and the
List data from the website show that Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
The IUCN Red List partners are: “The IUCN Red List tells us where academics from research institutions
BirdLife International; Botanic worldwide export IUCN Red List data The IUCN Red List assessments
Gardens Conservation International;
we ought to be concerned and for research purposes on a daily basis. of freshwater species have also
Conservation International; Microsoft; where the urgent needs are to do contributed to the work of the Ramsar
NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, something to prevent the despoliation Convention in selecting sites that are
Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; of this world. It is a great agenda important for freshwater biodiversity.
Texas A&M University; Wildscreen;
and Zoological Society of London.
for the work of conservationists.” The IUCN Red List will contribute to
Sir David Attenborough the function of the Intergovernmental
science-policy Platform on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) to
strengthen the science-policy interface
on biodiversity and ecosystem services
Photography © Robin Moore to improve decision making.
How is The IUCN Red List used? Merendon Palm-Pitviper (Bothriechis thalassinus) Not Evaluated
Photography © Robin Moore

IUCN Red List data are being used to report on and

measure progress toward the Aichi Biodiversity Targets,
adopted by governments at the Conference of the
Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
2010 - in particular, Target 12: By 2020 the extinction of
known threatened species has been prevented and their
conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has
been improved and sustained.

CBD Strategic Goal Aichi Targets for 2020 IUCN Red List
A: Address the underlying 1: Public awareness increased.
causes of biodiversity
loss by mainstreaming 2: Values of biodiversity recognized.
biodiversity across 3: Incentives reformed.
government and society.
4: Sustainable production and consumption promoted.

B. Reduce the 5: Habitat loss reduced.

direct pressures on
biodiversity and promote 6: Towards sustainable management of fisheries.
sustainable use. 7: Sustainable management (agriculture, aquaculture
and forestry).
8: Pollution reduced.
9: Invasive alien species combated.
10: Pressures on vulnerable ecosystems impacted by
climate change or ocean acidification minimized.

C: improve the status 11: Protected areas increased.

of biodiversity by
safeguarding ecosystems, 12: Extinction prevented.
species and genes. 13: Genetic diversity maintained.

D. Enhance the benefits 14: Ecosystems are restored and safeguarded.

to all from biodiversity
and ecosystem services. 15: By 2020, ecosystem resilience enhanced.
16: Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources
and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising
from their Utilization is in force.

E. Enhance implementation 17: National biodiversity strategies and action

through participatory plans developed.
planning, knowledge
management and 18: Traditional knowledge respected and reflected
capacity-building. in the implementation of the Convention.
19: Knowledge and technologies improved and shared.
20: Financial resources increased.
How is The IUCN Red List used? Influence Resource Allocation Awareness and Education

The Global Environment Facility New information from The IUCN Red
The IUCN Red List shows where action needs to (GEF) has included information from List generates significant media interest
resulting in hundreds of articles on the
be taken to save the building blocks of nature from The IUCN Red List in its resource
allocation framework since 2008. web, printed newspapers, television,
extinction. It provides a straightforward way to factor Other foundations and funding radio and special interest magazines;
raising public awareness of the plight
biodiversity needs into decision-making processes by instruments, such as the Critical
Ecosystem Partnership Fund; SOS of species and the larger environmental
providing a wealth of useful information on species. - Save Our Species; and Mohamed issues surrounding them. The Zoo,
bin Zayed Species Conservation Aquarium and Botanic Garden networks
Fund also use the results of The are supporting The IUCN Red List by
IUCN Red List assessments to guide including the IUCN Red List status
their investments in conservation. on their species information signs.

The IUCN Red List website (www.

Inform Conservation Planning iucnredlist.org) is also regularly used by
educators and students of all ages.
Several conservation planning
methodologies use The IUCN Red
List to identify important areas for Health Care
conservation including: Important
Bird Areas; Important Plant Areas; The IUCN Red List distribution
and Alliance for Zero Extinction sites. information is frequently used by
For example, one of the criteria that researchers in the health sector to look
Alliance for Zero Extinction sites must at the distributions of species which
meet is that they contain at least one are known or suspected vectors of
Endangered or Critically Endangered human and domestic-animal diseases
species, as listed on The IUCN Red List. to develop models on predicted future
occurrences of the diseases. The
IUCN Red List also helps to highlight
Improve Decision-making those medicinal plants which are being
unsustainably harvested to ensure
appropriate conservation actions can be
The IUCN Red List can help guide
implemented to conserve these species.
environmental impact assessments. The
wealth of information on habitats and
threats to species are used in biodiversity
management plans and site rehabilitation
plans. Combining conservation planning
analyses with information on threats
from The IUCN Red List has also
lead to partnerships with industry to
explore opportunities to reduce the
negative impact on biodiversity and
promote more sustainable production.
Initiatives of the petrochemical, mining,
aggregate and financial industry such
as Net Positive Impact (NPI) and
No Net Loss, benefit from access
to information on the distribution of
species and their conservation status.

Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) Endangered

Photography © Christian Laufenberg
Conservation Action
Conservation action delivers results.
Many species on The IUCN Red List
have been saved from extinction
through conservation programmes
based on sound science. These are
a few examples selected to illustrate
the breadth of successful interventions
a Valerian a Saproxylic Beetle Asian Crested Ibis
which have happened across the world.
(Centranthus trinervis) (Cucujus cinnaberinus) (Nipponia nippon)
This herbaceous plant is endemic to Corsica This beetle is found throughout much of The Asian Crested Ibis historically nested in
(a Mediterranean island) and it is threatened Europe. The main threats are degradation or the Russian Far East, Japan, and China. The
mostly by human disturbance, recreational loss of habitat quality; and fragmentation and species declined rapidly from the late 19th
activities such as climbing and grazing from increasing isolation of beetle populations. It is century due to the degradation of nesting and
goats. This species’ habitat is now included listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention feeding habitat, over-hunting, and the use of
in the Natura 2000 network, and is managed and Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats agrochemicals in rice-paddies, which causes
in a way that favours the conservation of Directive and is legally protected in many reductions in the abundance of its prey. Since
this species. Climbing equipment on the cliff countries. With better protection of its habitats, the 1980s regulations have been enacted to
has been removed, and The Conservatoire this beetle is expanding its distribution in prohibit logging, the use of agrochemicals in
du Littoral bought the area where this central Europe, although it is still declining rice-fields and the use of firearms for hunting.
species is present to keep the population in surrounding areas. In 2010 it was down- Nest trees have also been declared state
protected. In 2011 it was down-listed from listed from Vulnerable to Near Threatened. property and protected. Captive breeding
Critically Endangered to Endangered. and reintroduction programmes have been
initiated and released birds are breeding
successfully. In 2000, it was down-listed
from Critically Endangered to Endangered.

Black-footed Ferret Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Australian Grayling

(Mustela nigripes) (Cyclura lewisi) (Prototroctes maraena)
The Black-footed Ferret was considered Found only on Grand Cayman, this iguana is Native to Australia, these fish need to migrate
Extinct in the Wild in 1996. A captive breeding severely threatened by introduced species to and from the sea to complete their life
programme initiated in 1985 by the Wyoming (such as feral dogs, cats, and rats) and cycle. The construction of barriers such as
Game and Fish Department in cooperation habitat conversion. In the early 1990’s the dams and weirs, water quality decline and
with the US Fish and Wildlife Service resulted wild population was believed to be less than competition from introduced brown trout have
in more than 6,000 Black-footed Ferrets being 25 individuals. Conservation programmes, had a major impact on populations in some
born in captivity. Ferrets have been reintroduced such as captive breeding, have resulted in river systems. Now the focus of a number of
in western US states and in Mexico. In 2008 the release of over 600 animals into three conservation measures, the population has
this species was reassessed for the IUCN Red protected areas, where feral predators are started to recover, and in 2009 it was down-
List as Endangered. Ongoing conservation controlled. Whilst still listed as Critically listed from Vulnerable to Near Threatened.
is essential to continue their recovery. Endangered, the future looks encouraging
due to the extensive conservation work.
Conservation Action

Mallorcan Midwife Toad Nile Crocodile Humpback Whale

(Alytes muletensis) (Crocodylus niloticus) (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Endemic to Mallorca (a Mediterranean island), Native to Africa, the Nile Crocodile is at By 1968 commercial whaling had seriously
the major threats faced are predation by the threat from hunting for their meat (which depleted all Humpback Whale populations.
introduced Viperine Snake, competition for is believed to have curative properties) Conservation action came via the International
space with Perez’s Frog and development. and leather; pollution and entanglement Whaling Commission in the form of protection
Conservation programmes have been put in in fishing nets. International trade controls from commercial whaling. The species has
place to remove the Viperine Snake from the and national laws are now in place, and demonstrated remarkable resilience, and most
toad’s range, and the Balearic Government the extinction risk to the Nile Crocodile has populations have increased since the end of
and Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust have decreased. In 1996 it was down-listed from whaling. In 2008 they were reassessed from
undertaken captive breeding, re-introduction Vulnerable to Least Concern, although it may Vulnerable to Least Concern on the IUCN
and other conservation initiatives. At least still be threatened in parts of its range. Red List, with a population that is estimated
10 populations have been successfully at over 60,000 animals and is increasing.
reintroduced. In 2006 it was down-listed
from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable.

Arabian Oryx
Seychelles Magpie Robin (Oryx leucoryx)
Lear’s Macaw (Copsychus sechellarum) The regal Arabian Oryx was hunted to near
extinction, with the last wild individual believed
(Anodorhynchus leari) Originally present on several islands in the to be shot in 1972. Thanks to successful
Seychelles, but by 1965 only 12-15 birds captive breeding and re-introduction efforts, the
This rare bird is severely threatened by remained – all on one island. The major Arabian Oryx is now facing a more secure future
trade, and in 1983 the global population was causes of the decline were predation and with its wild population standing at around
estimated to number just 60 birds. It is listed competition by introduced species such as 1,000 individuals. In 2011 it was down-listed
on CITES Appendix I and II and is protected by cats and rats, and reduction in the quality and from the Endangered category to Vulnerable.
Brazilian law. Infiltrations of trading networks quantity of habitat linked with the commercial
and improved surveillance at breeding sites production of crops such as banana. A
have resulted in arrests of poachers, smugglers recovery programme was initiated in 1990.
and collectors. In 2009 this species was In 2005 the species was down-listed from
reassessed from Critically Endangered to Critically Endangered to Endangered, and in
Endangered, and the most recent population 2006 the population reached 178 birds on four
estimates are of over 1,000 birds. islands - a tenfold increase in forty years.
Our target is to make
The IUCN Red List a more complete

“Barometer
of Life”
A broader taxonomic base to species
assessments will enable better
conservation and policy decisions.

A provisional target of 160,000

assessed species has been proposed
and the estimated cost of this
ambitious plan is USD 60,000,000.

160,000 GOAL

77,340
SO FAR
Asessement Goal – 160,000
Species Assessed 2015 – 77,340 African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Vulnerable
Described Species – 1,889,587 Photography © Robin Moore
White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Near Threatened Comma (Polygonia c-album) Least Concern (European regional assessment)
Photography © Robin Moore Photography © Marilyn Peddle

Nature’s backbone An estimated 99% of all organisms are

Vertebrates Invertebrates

Assessment Goal 61,635 Assessment Goal 45,344

Species Assessed 39,727 (2015) Species Assessed 17,408 (2015)
Described Species 64,788 Described Species 1,359,365
Werauhia insignis (Mez) Not Evaluated Amanita muscaria Not Evaluated
Photography © W. Till Barfuss and R. Samuel Photography © Christine Majul

The Earth’s lungs The most under-researched and under-funded

Plants Fungi and other species groups

Assessment Goal 38,521 Assessment Goal 14,500

Species Assessed 20,185 (2015) Species Assessed 20 (2015)
Described Species 310,129 Described Species 165,305
 Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey (Procolobus kirkii) Endangered
Photography © Robin Moore

The IUCN Red List

is the starting point for
conservation action
Species are the building blocks of
life. The loss of species diminishes
the quality of our lives and our
basic economic security. By saving
species we save biodiversity and
the ecosystems that provide the
natural resources we need to live.

For The IUCN Red List to become a

more complete “Barometer of Life”,
investment is needed to: increase the
number of experts trained to carry
out IUCN Red List assessments;
significantly increase the number
of species being assessed each
year; and carry out regular re-
assessments of species groups.

How can you help?

Contact [email protected] for more information.
www.iucnredlist.org/donate

“Enabling the IUCN Red List to reach its full

potential as a ‘Barometer of Life’, would from
an economic perspective, be one of the best
investments for the good of humanity.”
Dr Simon Stuart
Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission
For more information, please contact
[email protected]
www.iucnredlist.org

Species on The IUCN Red List page – Photography Credits

Encephalartos laevifolius – © SANBI
Pseudophilautus tanu – © Milivoje Krvavac - Department of Biology and Ecology UNS
Acropora palmata – © Jan Paul Zegarra/USFWS Southeast
Neocallitropsis pancheri – © Mickael T Wikimedia Commons
Tarsius tumpara – © Geoff Deehan
Mergus octosetaceus – © Adriano Gambarini

Conservation Action Map Page 1 – Photography Credits

Centranthus trinervis – © Antonie van den Bos for www.aycronto.com
Cucujus cinnaberinus – © Gouix Nicolas and Brustel Hervç
Nipponia nippon – © Andy Li, CC 2.0, NoDerivs
Mustela nigripes – © Michael Lockhart, USFWS, CC 2.0
Cyclura lewisi – © Peter J. Markham, Loretto, MN, CC 2.0, sharealike
Prototroctes maraena – © Gary Backhouse, DSE, Arthur Rylah Institute, CC 2.5

Conservation Action Map Page 2 – Photography Credits

Alytes muletensis – © Bert Willaert, www.bertwillaert.com
Crocodylus niloticus – © Sarah McCans, CC 2.0
Megaptera novaeangliae – © Whit Welles, CC 3.0
Anodorhynchus leari – © Ashok Khosla, www.seeingbirds.com
Copsychus sechellarum – © Adrian Scottow, CC 2.0, sharealike
Oryx leucoryx – © Topiltzin Contreras MacBeath

Design: PlanningUnit.co.uk

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Least Concern

Photography © Gordon Ellmer

27
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Phelsuma antanosy Critically Endangered
Photography © J. C. Randrianantoandro

© IUCN 2015