The International Union for Conservation of Nature is an organisation that is dedicated to conservation. Every year, it makes a list of species that are doing ok, endangered, nearly extinct, and the final straw, extinct.
It has 1400 member organisations and over 17,000 experts on its panel.
The IUCN Red List can be accessed here.
We have tried to simplify the categories for you, but please understand that each category means a lot and the same category can mean different types of threats for each species. A more detailed explanation of the categories is here, if you want to read it. Here is the short form:
Least Concern: All good. This species is well taken care of and is abundant.
Near Threatened: This species is starting to get vulnerable.
Vulnerable: This species needs protection.
Endangered: This species needs help and is likely to see a sharp fall in numbers.
Critically Endangered: Unless something is done quickly, it is likely that the species might face a threat of extinction.
Extinct in the Wild: This species is now only available in conservation centers or manmade habitats.
Extinct: Well, we lost them.
Where all is the list used?
It is the gold standard of conservation information. You might notice it in the zoo that you visit. On each board, you might find a small piece of information: IUCN status
It is also used by conservation specialists and governments. In short, it is used by anyone interested in conservation and in love with our wildlife – flora (plants and trees) and fauna (animals).