Which animal and plant species are under threat of extinction? How bleak are the prospects for these species? The IUCN Red List provides answers to these questions.

The IUCN Red List is drawn up by thousands of scientists from all over the world, who use strict criteria in the process. Thus, the Red List offers a scientific basis for policies focused on protecting animal and plant species that are vulnerable and under threat of extinction.

40% endangered
All participating scientists have assessed 41,200 species for the latest Red List. They conclude that 16,309 of these species are facing extinction. For mammals the ratio is 1 in 4; for plants it is even 1 in 3. Almost half of the reptile species and 1 in 8 birds have also been added to the list of endangered species.

Not all species discovered
A frequently-asked question is: How many species are there? Scientists estimate that the earth is the home to some 8 to 9 million species. So far, only 2 million have been described. The undiscovered species primarily live under water, deep in our oceans and at a micro level (e.g. bacteria and other micro-organisms).

Major indicator
About 40% of the species studied to date are under threat of extinction. It is expected that this percentage is roughly similar for the total number of species. The loss of species is a major indicator of the condition of nature. There is no doubt that the web of all life has seriously deteriorated.

What does IUCN NL do?
Every year, IUCN NL brings the Red List to the attention of politicians, business and the public at large through the media.

• The IUCN Red List
• The Global Invasive Species Database