Species

The IUCN Global Species Programme, in conjunction with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and partners, are driving the fight to save species for people and nature.

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Key numbers on species

Assessed

91,523

species on the Red List

Threatened

25,821

species threatened with extinction

Target

160,000

species which the IUCN Red List aims to assess by 2020

How we engage

Species are critical for a healthy planet, but a growing human population is placing them under enormous pressure. Habitat destruction, invasive species, overexploitation, illegal wildlife trade, pollution and climate change are threatening the survival of species worldwide.

IUCN is at the forefront of the global fight to save species from extinction. Its Species Survival Commission has 6000+ members, within 130 Specialist Groups. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is used to guide decision making and conservation action. IUCN provides technical expertise for conservation issues and projects.

News

  • Mount Sanqingshan National Park, China - World Heritage site Photo: IUCN / Chris Wood

    New IUCN report helps choose the right tools to assess how key natural areas benefit people

    07.08.2018

    IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA) today has issued new guidance to help practitioners assess ecosystem services within important sites for biodiversity and nature conservation. The report reviews nine assessment tools, focussing on their...

  • Pangolin Monitoring Workshop Participants Photo: Cheryl-Samantha Owen

    Experts Gather in Cambridge to Improve Monitoring Methods for Pangolins

    01.08.2018

    IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group members and other experts gathered in Cambridge last week to share information and develop ecological monitoring methods for pangolins – Keri Parker, Communications Co-Vice Chair for the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group...

  • Will Darwall - Mekong Photo: Eddie Allison

    Freshwater Conservation : INTERVIEW

    16.07.2018

    Synchronicity Earth - an IUCN Member Organisation - have been supporting the IUCN Freshwater Biodiversity Unit (FBU) since 2013 and have recently published this interview with Dr Will Darwall, Head of FBU Programme. Will talks about the challenges facing...

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