What Does the Red Data Book Keep a Record Of?

The Red Data Book keeps a record of: • All endangered species (at risk of extinction) • Threatened species (likely to become endangered) • Vulnerable species (at risk if conditions worsen) • Rare species (small populations at risk) • Extinct species (no longer existing) • Extinct in the wild (survive only in captivity)

Published by: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland Founded: 1964

The IUCN Red List evaluates species across plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms. It is considered the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of species.

As of 2024: Over 150,000 species assessed; more than 42,000 threatened with extinction.

The Red Data Book uses these categories (from most to least threatened):

1. EX — Extinct: No living individuals known anywhere. Example: Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), Passenger Pigeon

2. EW — Extinct in the Wild: Survives only in captivity, cultivation, or outside its native range. Example: Northern White Rhinoceros (wild population)

3. CR — Critically Endangered: Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Example: Amur Leopard, Javan Rhinoceros

4. EN — Endangered: Very high risk of extinction. Example: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Blue Whale

5. VU — Vulnerable: High risk of extinction if threats continue. Example: Hippopotamus, Polar Bear

6. NT — Near Threatened: Close to qualifying as threatened. Example: Jaguar

7. LC — Least Concern: Widespread and abundant. Example: House Sparrow, Domestic Cat

8. DD — Data Deficient: Not enough data to assess risk.

9. NE — Not Evaluated: Not yet assessed.

Why the Red Data Book matters:

1. Conservation planning: Governments and NGOs use it to direct funding and protection to most at-risk species.

2. Legal protection: Critically endangered and endangered species receive legal protection under national and international laws.

3. Monitoring trends: Allows tracking of whether species are recovering or declining.

4. Public awareness: Raises awareness about biodiversity loss and extinction crisis.

5. Scientific research: Used by researchers to study ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.

Indian examples from Red List: • Bengal Tiger — Endangered (EN) • Snow Leopard — Vulnerable (VU) • One-horned Rhinoceros — Vulnerable (VU) • Gangetic Dolphin — Endangered (EN) • Olive Ridley Turtle — Vulnerable (VU) • Great Indian Bustard — Critically Endangered (CR)