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www.iucn.org/redlist
www.iucnredlist.org
IUCN 2012
Pygmy Slow Loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) Vulnerable
Photography David Haring
THE IUCN RED LIST OF
THREATENED SPECIES
The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species is the worlds 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 worlds
species, including threats,
population status and trends.
A sustainable future cannot be achieved without conserving
biological diversityanimal and plant species, their habitats
and their genesnot only for nature itself, but also for all 7
billion people who depend on it. The IUCN Red List is a clarion
call to world leaders to secure the web of life on this planet.
Julia Marton-Lefvre, Director General IUCN
(International Union for Conservation of Nature).
Eyelash Frog (Ceratobatrachus guentheri) Least Concern
Photography Robin Moore
About The IUCN Red List
IUCN Red List Index
The IUCN Red List Index (RLI) reveals
trends in the overall extinction risk
of species and provides an indicator
that is used by governments to track
their progress in achieving targets
that reduce biodiversity loss.
The Red List Index has been
adopted by the United Nations as
one of the indicators for the 2015
Millennium Development Goal 7
on environmental sustainability.
It is also a useful tool for assessing
progress towards achieving Target
12 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
The RLI is calculated from the genuine
changes in IUCN Red List Categories
of all assessed species in a taxon over
time. A decreasing RLI value means
the expected rate of extinctions is
increasing (i.e. the rate of biodiversity
loss in increasing). An upward trend or
increasing RLI value means that there
is a decrease in expected future rate
of species extinctions (i.e. a reduction
in the rate of biodiversity loss).
1980 1985 1990 1995
1.00
Corals
Birds
Mammals
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0.90
0.85
0.80
0.75
0.70
2000 2005 2010
Amphibians
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About The IUCN Red List
About The IUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List is a rich compendium
of information on threats, ecological
requirements, and habitats of species;
and on conservation actions that can be
taken to reduce or prevent extinctions.
It is based on an objective system
for assessing the risk of extinction
of a species based on past,
present, and projected threats.
Species assessments are conducted
following a standardized process using
the rigorous IUCN Red List Categories
and Criteria, ensuring the highest
standards of scientic documentation,
information management, expert
review, and justication.
There are eight IUCN Red List Categories
based on criteria linked to population
trend, size and structure, and geographic
range. Species listed as Critically
Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable
are collectively described as threatened.
EXTINCT
IN THE WILD
EW
VULNERABLE
VU
DATA

DEFICIENT

DD
NOT
EVALUATED
NE
EXTINCT
EX
LEAST
CONCERN
LC
NEAR

THREATENED
NT
ENDANGERED
EN
CRITICALLY
ENDANGERED
CR
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Endangered
Photography Kathryn Pintus
of Amphibians
threatened
41
%
of Cycads
threatened
63
%
of Reef building
corals threatened
33
%
of Conifers
threatened
34
%
of Birds
threatened
13
%
of Mammals
threatened
25
%
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alartos laevifolius Critically End
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A
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ra palmata Critically Endang
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allitropsis pancheri Endange
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rsius tumpara Critically Endang
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ctosetaceus Critically End
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seudophilautus tanu Endangere
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Species on The IUCN Red List
More than 73,600 species have
been assessed on The IUCN Red
List. This gure includes most of
the known species of amphibians;
birds; mammals; angelsh;
butterysh; crocodilians;
freshwater crabs and craysh;
groupers; gymnosperms
(including cycads and conifers);
lobsters; mangroves; marine
turtles; parrotsh; reef-building
corals; seagrasses; seasnakes;
sharks and rays; tunas and
billshes; and wrasses.
The results are disturbing - with
several species groups facing
a severe threat of extinction.
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
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
Photography Robin Moore
Inform Policy and Conventions Guide scientic research
The IUCN Red List is used to inform
decisions taken by Multilateral
Environmental Agreements. It is often
used as a guide to revise the annexes
of some agreements, such as the
Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) and the
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
The IUCN Red List assessments
of freshwater species have also
contributed to the work of the Ramsar
Convention in selecting sites that are
important for freshwater biodiversity.
The IUCN Red List will contribute to
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
to improve decision making.
Scientic journals regularly cite
The IUCN Red List in peer-reviewed
literature. Each year numerous new
conservation articles examine the values
of The IUCN Red List and refer to its
important contribution to conservation
planning. Downloads of IUCN Red
List data from the website show that
academics from research institutions
worldwide export IUCN Red List data
for research purposes on a daily basis.
How is The IUCN
Red List used?
About The IUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List Partnership
Working together for conservation
The IUCN Red List is produced
and managed by the IUCN Global
Species Programme, the Species
Survival Commission (SSC) and
The IUCN Red List Partnership.
The IUCN Red List partners are:
BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; Microsoft;
NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew; Sapienza University of Rome;
Texas A&M University; Wildscreen;
and Zoological Society of London.
The IUCN Red List tells us where
we ought to be concerned and
where the urgent needs are to do
something to prevent the despoliation
of this world. It is a great agenda
for the work of conservationists.
Sir David Attenborough
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.
How is The IUCN Red List used?
A: Address the underlying
causes of biodiversity
loss by mainstreaming
biodiversity across
government and society.
1: Public awareness increased.
2: Values of biodiversity recognized.
3: Incentives reformed.
4: Sustainable production and consumption promoted.
17: National biodiversity strategies and action
plans developed.
18: Traditional knowledge respected and refected
in the implementation of the Convention.
19: Knowledge and technologies improved and shared.
20: Financial resources increased.
14: Ecosystems are restored and safeguarded.
15: By 2020, ecosystem resilience enhanced.
16: Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources
and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefts Arising
from their Utilization is in force.
D. Enhance the benefts
to all from biodiversity
and ecosystem services.
11: Protected areas increased.
12: Extinction prevented.
13: Genetic diversity maintained.
C: improve the status
of biodiversity by
safeguarding ecosystems,
species and genes.
CBD Strategic Goal Aichi Targets for 2020 IUCN Red List
B. Reduce the
direct pressures on
biodiversity and promote
sustainable use.
5: Habitat loss reduced.
6: Towards sustainable management of fsheries.
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 acidifcation minimized.
E. Enhance implementation
through participatory
planning, knowledge
management and
capacity-building.
Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) Endangered
Photography Christian Laufenberg
Health Care
The IUCN Red List distribution
information is frequently used by
researchers in the health sector to look
at the distributions of species which
are known or suspected vectors of
human and domestic-animal diseases
to develop models on predicted future
occurrences of the diseases. The
IUCN Red List also helps to highlight
those medicinal plants which are being
unsustainably harvested to ensure
appropriate conservation actions can be
implemented to conserve these species.
How is The IUCN Red List used?
The IUCN Red List shows where action needs to
be taken to save the building blocks of nature from
extinction. It provides a straightforward way to factor
biodiversity needs into decision-making processes by
providing a wealth of useful information on species.
Awareness and Education
New information from The IUCN Red
List generates signicant media interest
resulting in hundreds of articles on the
web, printed newspapers, television,
radio and special interest magazines;
raising public awareness of the plight
of species and the larger environmental
issues surrounding them. The Zoo,
Aquarium and Botanic Garden networks
are supporting The IUCN Red List by
including the IUCN Red List status
on their species information signs.
The IUCN Red List website is also
regularly used by educators and
students of all ages. www.iucnredlist.org
Improve Decision-making
The IUCN Red List can help guide
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 nancial industry such
as Net Positive Impact (NPI) and
No Net Loss, benet from access
to information on the distribution of
species and their conservation status.
Inuence Resource Allocation
Inform Conservation Planning
The Global Environment Facility
(GEF) has included information from
The IUCN Red List in its resource
allocation framework since 2008.
Other foundations and funding
instruments, such as the Critical
Ecosystem Partnership Fund; SOS
- Save Our Species; and Mohamed
bin Zayed Species Conservation
Fund also use the results of The
IUCN Red List assessments to guide
their investments in conservation.
Several conservation planning
methodologies use The IUCN Red
List to identify important areas for
conservation including: Important
Bird Areas; Important Plant Areas;
and Alliance for Zero Extinction sites.
For example, one of the criteria that
Alliance for Zero Extinction sites must
meet is that they contain at least one
Endangered or Critically Endangered
species, as listed on The IUCN Red List.
This beetle is found throughout much of
Europe. The main threats are degradation or
loss of habitat quality; and fragmentation and
increasing isolation of beetle populations. It is
listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention
and Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats
Directive and is legally protected in many
countries. With better protection of its habitats,
this beetle is expanding its distribution in
central Europe, although it is still declining
in surrounding areas. In 2010 it was down-
listed from Vulnerable to Near Threatened.
a Saproxylic Beetle
(Cucujus cinnaberinus)
Native to Australia, these sh need to migrate
to and from the sea to complete their life
cycle. The construction of barriers such as
dams and weirs, water quality decline and
competition from introduced brown trout have
had a major impact on populations in some
river systems. Now the focus of a number of
conservation measures, the population has
started to recover, and in 2009 it was down-
listed from Vulnerable to Near Threatened.
Australian Grayling
(Prototroctes maraena)
The Asian Crested Ibis historically nested in
the Russian Far East, Japan, and China. The
species declined rapidly from the late 19th
century due to the degradation of nesting and
feeding habitat, over-hunting, and the use of
agrochemicals in rice-paddies, which causes
reductions in the abundance of its prey. Since
the 1980s regulations have been enacted to
prohibit logging, the use of agrochemicals in
rice-elds and the use of rearms for hunting.
Nest trees have also been declared state
property and protected. Captive breeding
and reintroduction programmes have been
initiated and released birds are breeding
successfully. In 2000, it was down-listed
from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
Asian Crested Ibis
(Nipponia nippon)
Found only on Grand Cayman, this iguana is
severely threatened by introduced species
(such as feral dogs, cats, and rats) and
habitat conversion. In the early 1990s the
wild population was believed to be less than
25 individuals. Conservation programmes,
such as captive breeding, have resulted in
the release of over 600 animals into three
protected areas, where feral predators are
controlled. Whilst still listed as Critically
Endangered, the future looks encouraging
due to the extensive conservation work.
Grand Cayman Blue Iguana
(Cyclura lewisi)
This herbaceous plant is endemic to Corsica
(a Mediterranean island) and it is threatened
mostly by human disturbance, recreational
activities such as climbing and grazing from
goats. This species habitat is now included
in the Natura 2000 network, and is managed
in a way that favours the conservation of
this species. Climbing equipment on the cliff
has been removed, and The Conservatoire
du Littoral bought the area where this
species is present to keep the population
protected. In 2011 it was down-listed from
Critically Endangered to Endangered.
a Valerian
(Centranthus trinervis)
The Black-footed Ferret was considered Extinct
in the Wild in 1996. A captive breeding program
initiated in 1985 by the Wyoming Game and
Fish Department in cooperation with the US
Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in more
than 6,000 Black-footed Ferrets being born
in captivity. Ferrets have been reintroduced
in western US states and in Mexico. In 2008
this species was reassessed for the IUCN Red
List as Endangered. Ongoing conservation
is essential to continue their recovery.
Black-footed Ferret
(Mustela nigripes)
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
which have happened across the world.
Native to Africa, the Nile Crocodile is at
threat from hunting for their meat (which
is believed to have curative properties)
and leather; pollution and entanglement
in shing nets. International trade controls
and national laws are now in place, and
the extinction risk to the Nile Crocodile has
decreased. In 1996 it was down-listed from
Vulnerable to Least Concern, although it may
still be threatened in parts of its range.
Nile Crocodile
(Crocodylus niloticus)
Originally present on several islandsin the
Seychelles, but by 1965 only 12-15 birds
remained all on one island. The major
causes of the decline were predation and
competition by introduced species such as
cats and rats, and reduction in the quality and
quantity of habitat linked with the commercial
production of crops such as banana. A
recovery programme was initiated in 1990.
In 2005 the species was down-listed from
Critically Endangered to Endangered, and in
2006 the population reached 178 birds on four
islands - a tenfold increase in forty years.
Seychelles Magpie Robin
(Copsychus sechellarum) The regal Arabian Oryx was hunted to near
extinction, with the last wild individual believed
to be shot in 1972. Thanks to successful captive
breeding and re-introduction efforts the Arabian
Oryx is now facing a more secure future with
its wild population standing at around 1,000
individuals. In 2011 it was down-listed from
the Endangered category to Vulnerable.
Arabian Oryx
(Oryx leucoryx)
By 1968 commercial whaling had seriously
depleted all Humpback Whale populations.
Conservation action came via the International
Whaling Commission in the form of protection
from commercial whaling. The species has
demonstrated remarkable resilience, and most
populations have increased since the end of
whaling. In 2008 they were reassessed from
Vulnerable to Least Concern on the IUCN
Red List, with a population that is estimated
at over 60,000 animals and is increasing.
Humpback Whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae)
This rare bird is severely threatened by
trade, and in 1983 the global population was
estimated to number just 60 birds. It is listed
on CITES Appendix I and II and is protected by
Brazilian law. Inltrations of trading networks
and improved surveillance at breeding sites
have resulted in arrests of poachers, smugglers
and collectors. In 2009 this species was
reassessed from Critically Endangered to
Endangered, and the most recent population
estimates are of over 1000 birds.
Lears Macaw
(Anodorhynchus leari)
Endemic to Mallorca (a Mediterranean island),
the major threats faced are predation by the
introduced Viperine Snake, competition for
space with Perezs Frog and development.
Conservation programmes have been put in
place to removethe Viperine Snakefrom the
toads range, and the Balearic Government
and Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust have
undertaken captive breeding, re-introduction
and other conservation initiatives. At least
10 populations have been successfully
reintroduced. In 2006 it was down-listed
from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable.
Mallorcan Midwife Toad
(Alytes muletensis)
Conservation Action
African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Vulnerable
Photography Robin Moore
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.
Asessement Goal 160,000
Species Assessed 2014 73,686
Described Species 1,889,587
73,686
SO FAR
160,000
GOAL
Assessment Goal 45,344
Described Species 1,359,365
Species Assessed 16,726 (2014)
An estimated 99% of all organisms are
Invertebrates
Comma (Polygonia c-album) Least Concern (European regional assessment)
Photography Marilyn Peddle
Assessment Goal 61,635
Described Species 64,788
Species Assessed 37,568 (2014)
Natures backbone
Vertebrates
White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Near Threatened
Photography Robin Moore
Assessment Goal 14,500
Described Species 165,305
Species Assessed 18 (2014)
The most under-researched and under-funded
Fungi and other species groups
Amanita muscaria Not Evaluated
Photography Christine Majul
Assessment Goal 38,521
Described Species 310,129
Species Assessed 19,374 (2014)
The Earths lungs
Plants
Werauhia insignis (Mez) Not Evaluated
Photography W. Till Barfuss and R. Samuel
Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey (Procolobus kirkii) Endangered
Photography Robin Moore
The IUCN Red List
is the starting point for
conservation action
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
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;
signicantly increase the number
of species being assessed each
year; and carry out regular re-
assessments of species groups.
How can you help? Contact
iucnredlist@iucn.org
for more information
For more information, please contact
iucnredlist@iucn.org
www.iucnredlist.org
Species on The IUCN Red List page Photography Credits
Tarsius tumpara Geoff Deehan
Encephalartos laevifolius Critically Endangered 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 Herv
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 ammeus) Least Concern
Photography Gordon Ellmer
IUCN Red List
Celebrating 50 Years of The IUCN Red List
30 January 201
Throughout 2014 we are celebrating the significant contribution of The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species in guiding conseration action and polic! decisions oer the past "0 !ears#
The IUCN Red list is an inaluable conseration resource$ a health chec% for our planet & a
'aro(eter of Life#
The IUCN Red List of Threatened !"e#ies
)ead*uarters United +ingdo(
Region sered International
,fficial
language
$nglish
-arent
organi.ation
International Union for Conser%ation of Nature
/ffiliations
!"e#ies !ur%i%al Co&&ission' (irdlife International' Conser%ation International'
Nature!er%e' (otani# )ardens Conser%ation International' Royal (otani# )ardens'
Te*as +,- Uni%ersity' !a"ien.a Uni%ersity of Ro&e' /oologi#al !o#iety of
London' 0ilds#reen
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1also 2no3n as the IUCN Red List or Red 0ata List4'
founded in 156' is the 3orld7s &ost #o&"rehensi%e in%entory of the global #onser%ation status of
biologi#al s"e#ies8 The International Union for the Conser%ation of Nature 1IUCN4 is the 3orld7s &ain
authority on the #onser%ation status of s"e#ies8
+ series of Regional Red Lists are "rodu#ed by #ountries or organi.ations' 3hi#h assess the ris2 of
e*tin#tion to s"e#ies 3ithin a "oliti#al &anage&ent unit8
The IUCN Red List is set u"on "re#ise #riteria to e%aluate the e*tin#tion ris2 of thousands of s"e#ies
and subs"e#ies8 These #riteria are rele%ant to all s"e#ies and all regions of the 3orld8 The ai& is to
#on%ey the urgen#y of #onser%ation issues to the "ubli# and "oli#y &a2ers' as 3ell as hel" the
international #o&&unity to try to redu#e s"e#ies e*tin#tion8
/ccording to IUCN 112234$ the for(all! stated goals of the Red List are
114 to proide scientificall! based infor(ation on the status of species and subspecies at a
global leel$
124 to draw attention to the (agnitude and i(portance of threatened biodiersit!$
154 to influence national and international polic! and decision6(a%ing$ and
144 to proide infor(ation to guide actions to consere biological diersit!#
The IUCN ai&s to ha%e the #ategory of eer! species re6ealuated eer! fie !ears if possible' or at
least eer! ten !ears8
)istor!

The "er#entage of s"e#ies in se%eral grou"s 3hi#h are listed as #riti#ally endangered'
endangered' or %ulnerable on the 2009 IUCN Red List8
1234 Red List of Threatened -lants
The 156 IUCN Red List of Threatened :lants used the older "re;#riteria Red List assess&ent syste&8
2003 Release
The 2006 Red List' released on -ay 2006 e%aluated 0'16< s"e#ies as a 3hole' "lus an additional
2'160 subs"e#ies' %arieties' a=uati# sto#2s' and sub"o"ulations8
2007 Release
>n 12 !e"te&ber 2009' the 0orld Conser%ation Union 1IUCN4 released the 2007 IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species8
In this release' they ha%e raised their #lassifi#ation of both the 3estern lo3land gorilla 1Gorilla gorilla
gorilla4 and the Cross Ri%er gorilla 1Gorilla gorilla diehli4 fro& $ndangered to Criti#ally $ndangered'
3hi#h is the last #ategory before $*tin#t in the 0ild' due to $bola %irus and "oa#hing' along 3ith other
fa#tors8
2008 release
The 200< Red List 3as released on 6 >#tober 200<' at the IUCN 0orld Conser%ation Congress in
(ar#elona' and ?has #onfir&ed an e*tin#tion #risis' 3ith al&ost one in four @&a&&alsA at ris2 of
disa""earing fore%er?8
2012 release
The Red List of 2012 3as released 15 July 2012 at RioB20 $arth !u&&it8
+t threat are
419 of a(phibian species'
559 of reef6building corals'
509 of conifers'
2"9 of (a((als' and
159 of birds8
The IUCN Red List has listed 132 s"e#ies of "lants and ani&als fro& India as ?Criti#ally $ndangered?8
Categories
:;tinct
$*tin#t 1$C4
$*tin#t in the 0ild 1$04
Threatened
Criti#ally $ndangered 1CR4
$ndangered 1$N4
Dulnerable 1DU4
Lower Risk
Near Threatened 1NT4
Conservation Dependent
Least Con#ern 1LC4

,ther categories
Eata Eefi#ient 1EE4
Not $%aluated 1N$4


!"e#ies are #lassified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups' set through #riteria su#h as rate of
de#line' "o"ulation si.e' area of geogra"hi# distribution' and degree of "o"ulation and distribution
frag&entation8
$*tin#t 1$C4 F No 2no3n indi%iduals re&aining8
$*tin#t in the 3ild 1$04 F Gno3n only to sur%i%e in #a"ti%ity' or as a naturali.ed "o"ulation
outside its histori# range8
Criti#ally endangered 1CR4 F $*tre&ely high ris2 of e*tin#tion in the 3ild8
$ndangered 1$N4 F High ris2 of e*tin#tion in the 3ild8
Dulnerable 1DU4 F High ris2 of endanger&ent in the 3ild8
Near threatened 1NT4 F Li2ely to be#o&e endangered in the near future8
Least #on#ern 1LC4 F Lo3est ris28 Eoes not =ualify for a &ore at ris2 #ategory8 0ides"read and
abundant ta*a are in#luded in this #ategory8
Eata defi#ient 1EE4 F Not enough data to &a2e an assess&ent of its ris2 of e*tin#tion8
Not e%aluated 1N$4 F Has not yet been e%aluated against the #riteria8
0hen dis#ussing the IUCN Red List' the offi#ial ter& <threatened< is a grou"ing of three #ategoriesI
Criticall! :ndangered$ :ndangered$ and =ulnerable#
1224 categories and criteria

155 IUCN Red List #ategories 1%ersion 2834' used for s"e#ies 3hi#h ha%e not been reassessed sin#e
20018
The older 155 has only a single ?Lo3er Ris2? #ategory 3hi#h #ontained three sub#ategoriesI
Conser%ation Ee"endent 1LRJ#d4
Near Threatened 1LRJnt4
Least Con#ern 1LRJl#4
In the 2001 s!ste( Near Threatened and Least Concern hae now beco(e their own categories$
while Conseration 0ependent is no longer used and has been (erged into Near Threatened#
=ersions
+s of 2012 there are se%en %ersionsI
Dersion 180 115514
Dersion 280 115524
Dersion 281 115534
Dersion 282 11554
Dersion 283 11554
Dersion 380 115554
Dersion 381 120004
Regional Red List
+ Regional Red List 1RRL4 is a re"ort of the threatened status of s"e#ies 3ithin a #ertain #ountry or
region8 Regional Red Lists assess the ris2 of e*tin#tion to s"e#ies 3ithin a "oliti#al &anage&ent unit
and therefore &ay feed dire#tly into national and regional "lanning8
This pro>ect is coordinated b! the ?oological Societ! of London 1?SL4$ the @orld Conseration
Union 1IUCN4 and partners in national goern(ents$ uniersities and organi.ations throughout
the world#
Regional Red Lists (a! assist countries or regions inA
Eeter&ining the #onser%ation status and trends of s"e#ies
Identifying s"e#ies or e#osyste&s under greatest threat
Infor&ing #onser%ation "lanning and "riority setting
Raising a3areness of threatened s"e#ies
The -rocess of Creating / Regional Red List
+ Regional Red List &ay be #reated by any #ountry or organisation by follo3ing the #lear' re"eatable
"roto#ol8 The "ro#ess is as follo3sI
18 +ll infor&ation rele%ant to a s"e#ies #onser%ation status is #olle#ted' in#luding s"e#ies
distribution' "o"ulation trend infor&ation' habitat' e#ology and life history infor&ation' threats
to the s"e#ies and #onser%ation &easures #urrently in "la#e8
28 + #onser%ation assess&ent is &ade' using the IUCN Regional Categories and Criteria8
38 + regional 3or2sho" is held in 3hi#h e*"erts re%ie3 the assess&ents' &a2e any #orre#tions
ne#essary and add additional infor&ation8
8 The assess&ents are then #ollated into a Regional Red List do#u&ent8
58 + !u&&ary Conser%ation +#tion :lan &ay also be #reated8
Towards 2010 Targets
!u&&ary of 2006 IUCN Red List #ategories8
In +"ril 2002 at the Con%ention on (iologi#al Ei%ersity 1C(E4' 1<< nations #o&&itted the&sel%es to
a#tions to K+#hie%e' by 2010' a signifi#ant redu#tion of the #urrent rate of biodi%ersity loss at the
global' regional and national le%elsL8
0hen a Regional Red List is #o&"iled at regular inter%als' it #an "ro%ide infor&ation about ho3 the
status of the regionMs biodi%ersity is #hanging o%er ti&e8 This infor&ation &ay be useful to "oli#y
&a2ers' #onser%ationists' and the general "ubli#' as it &ay assist #ountries in &eeting their obligation to
the C(E8
CIT:S
The conention on International Trade in :ndangered Species of @ild Bauna and Blora

Logo of the 0th anni%ersary of CIT$!
Signed 3 -ar#h 1593
Location 0ashington' E8C8
:ffectie 1 July 1595
Condition 10 ratifi#ations
-arties 1<0
0epositar!
)o%ern&ent of the !3iss Confederation
Language
Chinese
$nglish
Nren#h
Russian
!"anish
CIT:S 1the Conention on International Trade in :ndangered Species of @ild Bauna and Blora'
also 2no3n as the @ashington Conention4 is a &ultilateral treaty to "rote#t endangered "lants and
ani&als8
It 3as drafted as a result of a resolution ado"ted in 1563 at a &eeting of &e&bers of the International
Union for Conser%ation of Nature 1IUCN48 The #on%ention 3as o"ened for signature in 1593' and
CIT$! entered into for#e on 1 July 15958
Its ai& is to ensure that international trade in s"e#i&ens of 3ild ani&als and "lants does not threaten
the sur%i%al of the s"e#ies in the 3ild' and it a##ords %arying degrees of "rote#tion to &ore than 35'000
s"e#ies of ani&als and "lants8
In order to ensure that the )eneral +gree&ent on Tariffs and Trade 1)+TT4 3as not %iolated' the
!e#retariat of )+TT 3as #onsulted during the drafting "ro#ess8
'ac%ground and operation
CIT$! is one of the largest and oldest #onser%ation and sustainable use agree&ents in e*isten#e8
:arti#i"ation is %oluntary' and #ountries that ha%e Nunding for the a#ti%ities of the !e#retariat and
Conferen#e of the :arties 1Co:4 &eetings #o&es fro& a Trust Nund deri%ed fro& :arty #ontributions8
Ratifications

:arties to the treaty
The te*t of the Con%ention 3as finali.ed at a &eeting of re"resentati%es of <0 #ountries in 0ashington'
E8C8' United !tates' on 3 -ar#h 15938
It entered into for#e after the 10th ratifi#ation by a signatory #ountry' on 1 July 15958 Countries that
signed the Con%ention be#o&e :arties by ratifying' a##e"ting or a""ro%ing it8 (y the end of 2003' all
signatory #ountries had be#o&e :arties8
+s of Nebruary 201' 1<0 !tates had ratified the Con%ention 3ith Ira= being the latest8
The CIT$! Con%ention in#ludes "ro%isions and rules for trade 3ith non;:arties8 +l&ost all &e&ber
states of the United Nations are "arty to the treaty' e*#e"t for /ndorra$ 0e(ocratic -eopleCs
Republic of +orea$ Bederated States of Dicronesia$ )aiti$ +iribati$ Darshall Islands$ Nauru$
South Sudan$ Ta>i%istan$ Ti(or6Leste$ Tonga$ Tur%(enistan$ Tualu and the )ol! See8 The Naroe
Islands' a territory of Een&ar2' is also treated as a non;:arty to CIT$!8
+n a&end&ent to the te*t of the Con%ention' 2no3n as the Eaborone /(end(ent allo3s regional
econo(ic integration organi.ations 1R:I,4$ such as the :uropean Union$ to ha%e the status of a
&e&ber state and to be a :arty to the Con%ention8 The R$I> #an %ote at CIT$! &eetings 3ith the
nu&ber of %otes re"resenting the nu&ber of &e&bers in the R$I>' but it does not ha%e an additional
%ote8
+lthough the )aborone +&end&ent entered into for#e in No%e&ber 2013' no regional e#ono&i#
integration organi.ations 1R$I>4 has yet a""lied to be a :arty to CIT$!' although it is e*"e#ted that the
$uro"ean Union 3ill "robably do so before the ne*t Conferen#e of the :arties' 3hi#h 3ill be held in
20168
/(end(ents and reserations
+&end&ents to the Con%ention &ust be su""orted by a t3o;thirds &aOority 3ho are ?"resent and
%oting? and #an be &ade during an e*traordinary &eeting of the C>: if one;third of the :arties are
interested in su#h a &eeting8 The )aborone +&end&ent 115<34 allo3s regional e#ono&i# blo#s to
a##ede to the treaty8 Reser%ations #an be &ade by any :arty 3ith res"e#t to any s"e#ies' 3hi#h
#onsiderably 3ea2ens the treaty8
Trade 3ith non;:arty states is allo3ed' although "er&its and #ertifi#ates are re#o&&ended to be issued
by e*"orters and sought by i&"orters8
Notable reser%ations in#lude those by I#eland' Ja"an and Nor3ay on %arious baleen 3hale s"e#ies and
those on Nal#onifor&es by !audi +rabia8
Deetings
The Conferen#e of the :arties 1Co:4 is held on#e eer! three !ears8
The last Conferen#e of the :arties 1Co: 164 3as held in (ang2o2' Thailand in 2013' and the one before
it 1Co: 154 3as held in Eoha' Patar in 20108
The ne*t one 1Co: 194 3ill be in !outh +fri#a in 20168 The lo#ation of the ne*t Co: is #hosen at the
#lose of ea#h Co: by a se#ret ballot %ote8
The CIT$! Co&&ittees 1+ni&als Co&&ittee' :lants Co&&ittee and !tanding Co&&ittee4 hold
&eetings during ea#h year that does not ha%e a Co:' 3hile the !tanding #o&&ittee &eets also in years
3ith a Co:8 The Co((ittee (eetings ta%e place in Eenea$ Swit.erland 1where the Secretariat of
the CIT:S Conention is located4' unless another #ountry offers to host the &eeting8 The +ni&als
and :lants Co&&ittees ha%e so&eti&es held Ooint &eetings8 Their last Ooint &eeting 3as held in -ar#h
2012 in Eublin' Ireland' and the ne*t one 3ill be in Dera#ru.' -e*i#o in -ay 2018