Endangered (EN) - IUCN Classification | Botany Optional for UPSC PDF Download

What is IUCN Red List?

• Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species has transformed into the most extensive global repository of information concerning the conservation status of animal, fungal, and plant species.
• The IUCN Red List serves as a crucial gauge of the overall well-being of the Earth's biodiversity. It goes beyond a mere compilation of species and their statuses, serving as a potent instrument for raising awareness and instigating efforts in biodiversity conservation and policy reform, which are vital for safeguarding the natural resources essential for our survival.
• The Red List offers detailed insights into factors like geographic range, population size, habitat and ecological characteristics, utilization and trade, threats, and conservation initiatives, all of which play a pivotal role in guiding essential conservation decisions.

Criteria for Endangered Species

• Population size has decreased by ≥70% in the last ten years or three generations, whichever is longer.
• The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, and the estimated area of occupancy is less than 500 km2.
• Population size is estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals, with a continuing decline of at least 20% expected within five years.
• The population size is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals.
• Quantitative analysis indicates that the likelihood of extinction in the wild is at least 20% within 20 years or five generations.

Protection of Endangered Species at National Level

• In India, the category of endangered species encompasses a diverse array of rare wildlife, including rare wild animals, aquatic creatures, and insects.
• The Indian wildlife is renowned for its exceptional diversity, boasting an extensive array of bird species, mammals, reptiles, and more.
• Within the Indian wildlife, there exist several endangered species teetering on the brink of extinction.
• An endangered species is characterized as a population of a living organism that faces the imminent risk of extinction due to various factors. These factors may include low population numbers or vulnerability to changing environmental conditions and predation.
• Numerous national and international organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), have taken the initiative to identify endangered species in India.

Examples of Endangered Species

African Penguin, African Wild Dog, Asian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, Blue Whale, Bonobo, Bornean Orangutan, Chimpanzees, Dhole, Ethiopian Wolf, Hispid Hare, Giant Otter, Giant Panda, Goliath Frog, Gorillas, Green Sea Turtle, Grevy's Zebra, Hyacinth Macaw, Japanese Crane, Lear's Macaw, Malayan Tapir, Markhor, Persian Leopard, Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Red-breasted Goose, Rothschild Giraffe, Snow Leopard, Steller's Sea Lion, Scopas tang, Takhi, Tiger, Vietnamese Pheasant, Volcano Rabbit, Wild Water Buffalo

Endangered Species Day: 2022

• India is a diverse country with numerous plant, animal, mammal, and reptile species. It is home to approximately 89 national parks, 18 bio-reserves, and 400 wildlife sanctuaries.
• The threat of wildlife becoming endangered has increased as a result of an increase in various activities such as hunting and poaching. The government has taken a number of steps to protect wildlife.
• Every year on the third Friday of May, Endangered Species Day is observed. It was observed on May 20 this year.
• David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition established the day in 2006 with the goal of celebrating, learning, and taking action to protect threatened and endangered species.

Conclusion

Our plants and wildlife contribute to a more interesting and beautiful world. More importantly, all living species, including humans, rely on one another for survival. Plants and wildlife are essential to all of us. Certain plants and animals have been discovered to be medicinal by scientists. We will never know how threatened or endangered species might have improved our lives if we do not protect them.