New IUCN Redlist Released

2006 IUCN Redlist has been released. The total number of species declared officially Extinct is 784 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or cultivation. Of the 40,177 species assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria, 16,119 are now listed as threatened with extinction. (Animals: 7,725 Plants and lichens: 8,394) Familiar species like the polar bear, hippopotamus and desert gazelles are facing extinction. A key addition to the 2006 Red List of Threatened Species is the first comprehensive regional assessment of selected marine groups. Thanks to conservation action, the status of certain species has improved: proof that conservation does work. The numbers of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) doubled in the 1990s and it has been downlisted from Near Threatened to Least Concern. The seabird Abbott’s booby (Papasula abbotti) listed as Critically Endangered in 2004 is recovering thanks to conservation measures and has now moved down a category to Endangered. Swift action since the dramatic 97% population crash of the Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), listed as Critically Endangered in 2002, means that the future for this and related species is more secure. The veterinary drug that unintentionally poisoned them, diclofenac, is now banned in India. A promising substitute has been found and captive breeding assurance colonies will be used for a re-introduction programme. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species acts as a wake up call to the world by focusing attention on the state of our natural environment.