- The comprehensive compilation of endangered species is encompassed in the Red Data Book, aiming to furnish exhaustive data for the research and analysis of diverse species.
- This manual, presented in a loose-leaf format, provides information on the status of various species and is continually updated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Morges, Switzerland.
- The color “Red” symbolizes the current global peril faced by both plants and animals.
- Initially introduced by the IUCN’s Special Survival Commission in 1966, the Red Data Book serves as a guide for formulating, preserving, and managing listed species.
- While the information within is more extensive for endangered mammals and birds, it also covers less conspicuous organisms facing the threat of extinction.
- The publication’s pink pages highlight critically endangered species, with updates sent to subscribers as the status of these species changes.
- Green pages are reserved for species that were once endangered but have successfully recovered, indicating that they are no longer under threat.
- Over time, the number of pink pages tends to increase, highlighting the urgency of the conservation challenges faced by numerous species, while green pages remain comparatively scarce.
OBJECTIVES OF RED DATA BOOK:
Biodiversity Conservation Advocacy:
- Purpose: Support and promote biodiversity conservation.
- Goal: Draw attention to unethical practices leading to species extinction by corporations.
Political Influence:
- Purpose: Influence domestic and international politics.
- Goal: Wield influence to shape policy decisions in favor of conservation.
Financial Support:
- Purpose: Support and fund conservation methodologies.
- Goal: Promote sustainable living practices.
Information Dissemination:
- Purpose: Provide useful information on biological conservation.
- Goal: Serve individuals interested in biodiversity conservation.
Documentation of Earth’s Changes:
- Purpose: Record the evolving flora and fauna of the planet.
- Goal: Document the fluctuations in endangered species’ populations.
Promotion of Conservation Science:
- Purpose: Emphasize conservation measures for critically endangered species.
- Goal: Highlight the scientific aspects of species preservation.
ADVANTAGES OF RED DATA BOOK
- Identification and Conservation Status:
- Helps identify animals, birds, and species and assess their conservation status.
- Population Assessment:
- Used to assess the population of specific species.
- Global Taxa Assessment:
- Provides information for global-scale assessment of taxa.
- Risk Estimation:
- Aids in estimating the global risk of taxa going extinct.
- Conservation Framework:
- Offers a framework for implementing protective measures for endangered species.
DISADVANTAGES OF RED DATA BOOK:
- Incomplete Data:
- The data is incomplete and outdated for many species, both extinct and extant.
- Source Reliability Debate:
- Speculation and debate surround the reliability of data sources in the book.
- Exclusion of Microbes:
- The book provides an exhaustive list of animals, plants, and species but lacks information on microbes.
The Red Data Book: Categorization by Color
- Black: Represents Extinct Species
- Red: Indicates Critically Endangered Species
- Orange: Designates Endangered Species
- Amber: Identifies Vulnerable Species
- White: Signifies Rare Species
- Green: Denotes Species Out of Danger
- Grey: Indicates Rare or Endangered Species with Limited Scientific Information and Analysis
IUCN CLASSIFICATION
- Extinct (EX)
- A taxon is classified as Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of that taxon has perished. Extensive surveys conducted in known and/or expected habitats at appropriate times fail to record any individuals throughout the taxon’s historical range.
- Extinct in the Wild (EW)
- The Extinct in the Wild classification is assigned to a taxon when it is only known to survive in cultivation, captivity, or as a naturalized population far beyond its original range. Despite comprehensive surveys in known and/or anticipated habitats, no individuals are recorded.
- Critically Endangered (CR)
- A taxon is designated as Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates it meets specific criteria: a population reduction exceeding 90% in the last ten years, a population size fewer than 50 mature individuals, or a quantitative analysis projecting a 50% chance of extinction in the wild within the next ten years, indicating it is on the brink of extinction.
- Endangered (EN)
- An organism qualifies as Endangered when it is on the brink of extinction, particularly due to threats posed by human activities. Factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, intentional extinction, and the introduction of competing alien species contribute to its endangerment. Criteria include a population size decrease of at least 70% in the last ten years or three generations, an extent of occurrence less than 5,000 km2, and other specific population size estimations.
- Vulnerable (VU)
- A taxon is considered Vulnerable when evidence suggests it meets criteria indicating vulnerability, such as a population reduction exceeding 50% over the last ten years, a population size less than 10,000 mature individuals, or a 10% likelihood of extinction in the wild within the next 100 years, signifying it is on the verge of extinction.
- Near Threatened (NT)
- A taxon is categorized as Near Threatened if, while not currently qualifying for higher threat categories, it is close to or likely to meet the criteria for a threatened category in the near future.
- Least Concern (LC)
- Least Concern is assigned to taxa that do not meet the criteria for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened. This category includes widespread and abundant taxa.
- Data Deficient (DD)
- When there is insufficient information to assess a taxon’s risk of extinction based on distribution and/or population status, it is classified as Data Deficient. While well-studied, lacking abundance and distribution data prompts this classification, acknowledging the need for more information.
- Not Evaluated (NE)
- Taxa that have not undergone evaluation against the criteria are classified as Not Evaluated.
FAQs – IUCN Red Data Book
1. What is the Red Data Book, and what is its purpose?
A: The Red Data Book is a comprehensive compilation of endangered species designed to provide exhaustive data for the research and analysis of diverse species. Its purpose is to serve as a guide for formulating, preserving, and managing listed species.
2. How is the Red Data Book organized?
A: The Red Data Book is presented in a loose-leaf format and categorized by colors. Each color represents a specific endangerment status of species, such as black for extinct species, red for critically endangered species, and so on.
3. Who maintains and updates the Red Data Book?
A: The Red Data Book is continually updated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Morges, Switzerland. It serves as a vital resource for monitoring the status of various species globally.
4. What does the color “Red” symbolize in the Red Data Book?
A: The color “Red” in the Red Data Book symbolizes the current global peril faced by both plants and animals. It was introduced by the IUCN’s Special Survival Commission in 1966.
5. How often is the Red Data Book updated?
A: The Red Data Book is continually updated to reflect the changing status of endangered species. Subscribers receive updates, particularly for species categorized as critically endangered, emphasizing the urgency of conservation challenges.
6. What are the objectives of the Red Data Book?
A: The Red Data Book aims to support and promote biodiversity conservation, influence domestic and international politics in favor of conservation, provide financial support for conservation methodologies, disseminate useful information on biological conservation, document the Earth’s evolving flora and fauna, and promote conservation science.
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