The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Overview

• More than 46,300 species are threatened with extinction, equating to 28% of all assessed species.
• The list serves as a comprehensive barometer for global biodiversity health and conservation efforts.

Recent Findings

Coral Species

• 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction.
• Information released during COP29 UN Climate Conference in Azerbaijan.
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Tree Assessment

• 38% of the world’s tree species are threatened.
• The Western European hedgehog status has been upgraded to Near Threatened.
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IUCN Red List Background

• Established in 1964, the list is the world’s most comprehensive source on the conservation status of various species.
• It informs and catalyzes action for biodiversity conservation and policy change.
• Offers data on species range, population size, habitat, ecology, threats, and conservation actions.
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Categories and Criteria

• Not Evaluated (NE): Species not yet evaluated.
• Data Deficient (DD): Insufficient information for risk assessment.
• Least Concern (LC): Evaluated but do not qualify as threatened.
• Near Threatened (NT): Close to qualifying as threatened.
• Vulnerable (VU): High risk of extinction.
• Endangered (EN): Very high risk of extinction.
• Critically Endangered (CR): Extremely high risk of extinction.
• Extinct in the Wild (EW): Survives only in cultivation or captivity.
• Extinct (EX): No individuals left.
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Future Goals

• Over 166,000 species assessed so far.
• Aim to assess 260,000 species by 2030.
• Reassess 142,000 species to keep data current.
• Support needed from the public to achieve these goals.
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