The Red Data Book | Botany Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Red Data Book - Background

The origin of The Red Data Book can be traced back to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an organization inspired by the global conversation on preserving endangered species. The IUCN stands as the world's most comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of biological species. Established in 1948 with the ambitious goal of maintaining a complete record of every species that has ever existed, the IUCN has become a central hub for biodiversity conservation.
The Red Data Book concept took root in the early 1960s when Soviet Union biologists initiated a project to systematically research and document their findings regarding plants, animals, and fungi. Initially known as the Russian Federation's Red Data Book (RDBRF), this monumental work laid the foundation for the comprehensive documentation of species at risk. The Red Data Book goes beyond cataloging; it establishes concrete criteria for assessing the risks and threats faced by endangered species, making it a vital resource in the realm of biological conservation.

Objectives of Red Data Book

The objectives of The Red Data Book are multifaceted, underscoring its significance in the realm of conservation:

• Supporting Biodiversity Conservation: The Red Data Book serves as a powerful tool to draw attention to the unethical practices leading to species extinction, influencing domestic and international policies in favor of conservation.
• Promoting Sustainable Living: It contributes to the promotion of sustainable living by supporting and funding conservation methodologies that aim to safeguard our planet's biodiversity.
• Informing Conservation Enthusiasts: The book provides valuable information for individuals and organizations interested in biological conservation, offering insights into the evolving state of the planet's flora and fauna.
• Highlighting Conservation Measures: It emphasizes the conservation measures employed for critically endangered species, shedding light on the scientific efforts involved in their preservation.

Advantages of Red Data Book

The Red Data Book offers a multitude of advantages, making it an indispensable resource in the field of conservation:

• Species Identification: It aids in the identification of various species and provides information about their conservation status.
• Population Assessment: The book enables the assessment of population sizes for specific species, helping experts monitor their numbers.
• Global Taxa Analysis: It provides a framework for assessing taxa on a global scale, allowing for an estimation of the global risk of taxa becoming extinct.
• Conservation Guidelines: The Red Data Book offers guidelines for implementing protective measures for endangered species, thereby contributing to their preservation.

Disadvantages of Red Data Book

While The Red Data Book is an invaluable resource, it is not without limitations:

• Incomplete Data: The data within the book is not always up to date and may lack information on certain species, both extinct and extant.
• Source Speculation: The sources of data within the book have been subject to debate and speculation, which can raise questions about the accuracy of the information.
• Limited Microbial Information: While comprehensive for many species, the Red Data Book lacks information on microbes.

The Red Data Book: Colour Division

The Red Data Book employs a color-coded system to classify species based on their endangerment status:

• Black: Extinct Species
• Red: Critically Endangered Species
• Orange: Endangered Species
• Amber: Vulnerable Species
• White: Rare Species
• Green: Species Out of Danger
• Grey: Rare or Endangered Species with Limited Scientific Data

Red Data Book of India

In the context of India, the Red Data Book includes several examples of critically endangered species, spanning various categories:

• Critically Endangered Mammals: Kondana Rat, Malabar Civet, Kashmir Stag, River Dolphin.
• Critically Endangered Anthropods: Rameshwaram Parachute Spider, Peacock Tarantula.
• Critically Endangered Fish: Pookode Lake Barb, Ganges River Shark, Pondicherry Shark.
• Critically Endangered Amphibians and Reptiles: Gharial, White Spotted Bush Frog, Toad Skinned Frog.

IUCN Classification

The IUCN classification system categorizes species into various risk levels:

• Extinct (EX): When the last individual of a taxon has died, it is considered extinct.
• Extinct in the Wild (EW): Species survive only in cultivation, captivity, or as naturalized populations far from their historic range.
• Critically Endangered (CR): Species facing a high risk of extinction due to factors like population reduction, low population size, or quantitative analysis indicating a high probability of extinction.
• Endangered (EN): Species on the brink of extinction, often due to habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, or the introduction of alien species.
• Vulnerable (VU): Species at risk due to factors such as population reduction, small population size, or a high likelihood of extinction in the wild.
• Near Threatened (NT): Species that are not yet endangered but may qualify for a threatened category in the future.
• Least Concern (LC): Widespread and abundant species that do not meet the criteria for other categories.
• Data Deficient (DD): Taxa for which insufficient information exists to assess their risk of extinction.
• Not Evaluated (NE): Species that have not undergone evaluation against the criteria.

Conclusion

The Red Data Book stands as an essential tool in the field of biodiversity conservation. It not only catalogues endangered species but also plays a pivotal role in research, monitoring, and the formulation of conservation strategies. As a symbol of global conservation efforts, it serves as a beacon of hope for the preservation of our planet's unique and threatened species.