The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently released an update to their Red List of Threatened Species, revealing alarming data on the state of various species around the globe. Based on the assessment of 1,05,732 species – the largest such examination till date – it was found that an increasing number of those evaluated are facing extinction. A staggering 28,338 species now find themselves at risk. As per the updated list, freshwater and deep-sea species are witnessing an unsettling rate of decline.
Threats to Marine Life
According to the findings, over half of Japan’s endemic freshwater fish are threatened by possible extinction. Additionally, species like the Wedgefishes and giant guitarfishes, also known as Rhino Rays due to their elongated snouts, are now considered the ‘most endangered marine fish families in the world’. Factors contributing to their decline include loss of free-flowing rivers and a rise in agricultural and urban pollution.
Status of Assessed Species
Of the total number of species assessed by the IUCN, roughly half have been put under the ‘Least Concern’ category. This suggests that the remaining 50% are experiencing varying degrees of decline. Disturbingly, of the grand total assessed, 873 species are already extinct, while a further 6,127 are critically endangered.
| Species Category | Number of Species |
|---|---|
| Assessed | 1,05,732 |
| Threatened with Extinction | 28,338 |
| Least Concern | Approximately 50% |
| Already Extinct | 873 |
| Critically Endangered | 6,127 |
Impact on Wildlife
The Red List update validates the findings of the IPBES Global Biodiversity Assessment, convincingly indicating that human activities are leading to the overexploitation of wildlife. As per Target 12 of the global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011-2020), any further extinction of known threatened species is to be prevented by 2020.
About the IUCN and the Red List
IUCN, established in 1948, stands as a unique membership union inclusive of both government and civil society organisations. With its headquarters in Switzerland, IUCN’s role as the global authority on the condition of the natural world and necessary measures for its preservation is undeniable. Their Red List of Threatened Species is the most extensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species, which evaluates the extinction risk through a set of quantitative criteria applicable to most species across all regions of the globe. From a total of nine categories ranging from NE (Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct), those listed as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU) are regarded as being in imminent threat of extinction. Recognised as the leading guide to the status of biological diversity, the Red List serves as a key indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Targets.