IUCNklassifikationerne

The IUCN classifications refer to the categories used by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to assess the extinction risk of species. These classifications are part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a comprehensive global inventory of the conservation status of biological species. The primary goal of these classifications is to highlight species facing a high risk of extinction and to inform conservation efforts.

The IUCN Red List categorizes species into nine distinct groups. These are: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), and Not Evaluated (NE). The first three categories (CR, EN, VU) represent threatened species, meaning they are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. Near Threatened species are close to qualifying for a threatened category, while Least Concern species are widespread and abundant. Data Deficient species are those for which there is insufficient information to make a determination, and Not Evaluated species have not yet been assessed by the IUCN.

The criteria used for classification are based on scientific data regarding population size, rate of decline, geographic range, and the probability of extinction. These classifications are updated regularly based on new research and data, providing a dynamic assessment of the global biodiversity crisis. The IUCN Red List is a crucial tool for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers in prioritizing conservation actions and developing strategies to protect biodiversity.