
At World Animal Protection, much of our work revolves around wildlife, including endangered species. The conservation status, or where a species falls on the endangered species list, determines how likely they are to become extinct in the near future. The scale ranges from “Least Concern,” where animals like guinea pigs fall, to “Extinct,” which includes species that no longer exist, like the Tasmanian tiger.
Here’s how the scale works and how species are assigned to the various categories.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the best-known worldwide conservation status listing and ranking system. The list is a checklist of species that have undergone an extinction risk assessment using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Species are grouped into seven major categories describing the endangered status of the animal.
Governments across the world use the IUCN Red List to track species’ endangered status, using this information to reduce biodiversity loss. This is essential for preserving the planet and the health of its inhabitants, including wildlife, farmed animals, and humans.
You can search the IUCN Red List site for your favorite animal to see how they are categorized.
Want to help endangered species in the wild? The Preventing Future Pandemics Act aims to close down wildlife markets and end the international trade in wildlife for human consumption. This would have a huge impact on endangered species, many of which are endangered due to human activity and trade.