The new reporting dates of the IUCN Red List for 2020 have been published. The list contains the animals and plants that will never be seen again on our planet. The reasons for this extinction vary, but it is very sad to know that in most cases the cause is man-made.
The document contains both good and bad news. New types have been added to one of the different categories that organize the list. However, thanks to the intervention and dedication of some people, there are species that have managed to disappear from the Red List.
The IUCN Red List reports on the worldwide extinction of animals, plants and fungi
The Red List was drawn up in 1964 by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) based in Switzerland. The NGO was founded in 1948 and was originally called the International Union for the Protection of Nature. In 1990 they changed the name to World Conservation Union. Eventually it got the name it retains today in 2008.
The Red List is a tool used by various companies around the world. Government agencies or groups involved in conservation and natural resources consult the list. Knowing about the health of our planet’s biodiversity is important.
It is divided into nine categories:
- Without judging.
- Insufficient data.
- Minor concerns.
- Almost threatened.
- Vulnerable.
- In danger.
- Critically endangered.
- Extinct in the wild.
- Extinct.
In addition, the list so far includes 128,918 species. However, they don’t even reach half of the goal they want to achieve.
What is this tool used for?
The reports always relate to the environment, species, biodiversity strategies and ecosystems. It influences resource allocation and its data is used to plan maintenance measures. This makes it easy to make decisions that minimize your environmental impact.
It also provides information for social media to raise awareness and educate the population. The health sector also uses the IUCN Red List to secure data on medicinal plants, improvements in agricultural crops, or the future of species that serve as food for the population.
The situation is getting worse from year to year
Worldwide, more than 35,000 species are threatened with extinction, which corresponds to 28 percent of the species assessed. This value is made up as follows:
- 40% amphibians
- 26% mammals
- 34% conifers
- 14% birds
- 33% sharks and rays
- 33% reef corals
- 28% crustaceans
There is a Species Survival Commission whose members are responsible for adding new species to the IUCN Red List. The most recently published list contains the data for 2020. For example, it indicates that the birds have moved away from the danger of extinction. The bison has been rescued and marine species are hardest hit. Freshwater dolphins, sharks, fish, and frogs are the most endangered species in the wildlife. The list also includes information about the 17 percent extinct species of orchid and the problem that grips the planet, which is deforestation.
