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

93,577

species on the Red List

Threatened

26,197

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

  • Orangutan eating from Bendang tree Photo: Anne Russon

    IUCN study identifies tree species for climate-resilient reforestation

    07.02.2019

    An IUCN study has identified tree species native to Indonesia’s Kutai National Park that are resilient to climate change and support threatened East Bornean orangutan populations, recommending their use in reforestation efforts. The study was funded by the...

  • Photo: © IISD / Franz Dejon

    IUCN mourns the loss of leading environmentalist Bradnee Chambers

    24.01.2019

    IUCN is saddened by the death of Dr Bradnee Chambers, international expert on environmental governance and Executive Secretary of IUCN partner organisation Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

  • Photo: © Jacques de Speville

    IUCN calls for an end to culls of the Mauritius Fruit Bat

    19.12.2018

    The Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a position statement respectfully appealing to the Government of Mauritius to halt any cull of the Endangered Mauritius Fruit Bat, Pteropus niger,...

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