Critically Endangered (Cr) is the IUCN's highest risk category for wild species. A critically endangered species is one whose numbers have decreased or will decrease by 80 percent within three generations. As a result, it is thought to be on the verge of extinction in the wild. In this article, we will discuss IUCN Classification - Critically Endangered (CR) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Criteria for Critically Endangered

• Population size has decreased by ≥90% in the last ten years or three generations, whichever is longer.
• The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 100 km2, and the estimated area of occupancy is less than 10 km2.
• Population size is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals, with a continuing decline of at least 25% expected within three years.
• The population size is estimated to be less than 50 mature individuals.
• Quantitative analysis indicates that the likelihood of extinction in the wild is at least 50% within 10 years or three generations.

Causes of Extinction

• The current extinction crisis is characterized by extinction rates that are faster than the natural extinction rate.
• It has largely been attributed to human-caused climate change and biodiversity loss. This is in addition to natural forces that may stress a species or cause an animal population to become extinct.
• Loss of habitat is one of the most important reasons animals and plants become critically endangered. Species rely on their habitat for the resources they require to survive.
• If the habitat is destroyed, the population will suffer a population decline. Pollution, urbanization, and agriculture are all activities that contribute to habitat loss.
• The introduction of invasive species is another cause of plant and animal extinction.
  • Invasive species invade and exploit new habitats for their natural resources in order to outcompete native organisms and eventually take over the habitat.
  • This can either lead to the extinction of native species or cause them to become endangered, which also leads to extinction.
• The disease can also cause the extinction of plants and animals. When a disease is introduced into a new habitat, it can spread among the native species.
  • The native species may become extinct due to a lack of familiarity with the disease or a lack of resistance.

List of Critically Endangered Species in India

Critically Endangered Mammals

• Pygmy Hog
• Andaman White-toothed Shrew
• Jenkin's Andaman Spiny Shrew
• Nicobar White-tailed Shrew
• Kondana Rat
• Large Rock Rat or Elvira Rat
• Namdapha Flying Squirrel
• Malabar Civet
• Sumatran rhinoceros
• Javan Rhinoceros

Critically Endangered Birds

• Aythya Baeri
• Forest Owlet
• Great Indian Bustard
• Bengal Florican
• Siberian Crane
• Spoon-billed Sandpiper
• Sociable Lapwing
• Jerdon's Courser
• White-backed Vulture
• Red-headed Vulture
• White-bellied Heron
• Slender-billed Vulture
• Indian Vulture
• Pink-headed Duck
• Himalayan Quail

Critically Endangered Reptiles

• Gharial
• Hawksbill Turtle
• River Terrapin
• Bengal Roof Turtle
• Sispara Day Gecko

Critically Endangered Fishes

• Pondicherry Shark
• Ganges Shark
• Knife-tooth Sawfish
• Large-tooth Sawfish
• Narrow-snout Sawfish

Conclusion

Because the IUCN Red List does not consider a species extinct until extensive, targeted surveys have been conducted, species that are possibly extinct are still listed as Critically Endangered. The IUCN maintains a list of "possibly extinct" and "possibly extinct in the wild" species, based on the categories used by BirdLife International to classify these taxa.

FAQs

Question: What is the IUCN Red List?

Question: What does "Critically Endangered (CR)" mean in the IUCN classification?

Question: What criteria are used to classify a species as Critically Endangered (CR)?

Question: How does the IUCN classification help in conservation efforts?

Question: Can the status of a Critically Endangered species improve?

MCQs

1. What does the category "Critically Endangered (CR)" on the IUCN Red List signify?

A) A species is thriving and expanding

B) A species is on the verge of extinction in the wild

C) A species is not at risk of extinction

D) A species is abundant in its natural habitat

2. Which of the following is a factor in determining whether a species is classified as Critically Endangered?

A) Population size

B) Color of the species

C) Habitat type

D) Migration patterns

3. Which of the following species is considered Critically Endangered?

A) Blue Whale

B) Bengal Tiger

C) Javan Rhino

D) Indian Elephant

4. What is the main purpose of the IUCN Red List?

A) To track all animal populations

B) To provide a classification of species based on extinction risk

C) To regulate international trade of species

D) To create a database for research on species

5. How can the status of a species on the IUCN Red List improve?

A) By further endangering its habitat

B) By increasing its population through conservation efforts

C) By expanding its geographical range

D) By reducing conservation actions

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Discuss the role of the IUCN Red List in wildlife conservation and its significance for critically endangered species.

Answer: The IUCN Red List plays a critical role in global wildlife conservation by providing an updated and scientifically backed classification of species based on their extinction risk. For critically endangered species, the Red List serves as an early warning system, signaling the urgent need for focused conservation efforts. By identifying species at risk, the Red List helps prioritize conservation funding and policies, ensuring that resources are directed to species and ecosystems in greatest need. It also helps in raising awareness about biodiversity loss and the importance of conserving endangered species.

Q2. How does habitat destruction contribute to the Critically Endangered status of species?

Answer: Habitat destruction is one of the primary drivers behind the Critically Endangered status of species. When natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, or coral reefs are cleared or degraded due to deforestation, urbanization, or climate change, species lose their homes and essential resources such as food and shelter. This often leads to a dramatic decline in population size, reduced breeding opportunities, and a fragmented distribution, pushing species towards extinction. Protecting habitats and restoring ecosystems are essential steps in preventing further loss of biodiversity.

Q3. Analyze the importance of the IUCN classification in shaping international conservation policies.

Answer: The IUCN classification plays a crucial role in shaping international conservation policies by providing a scientific basis for conservation priorities. The Red List categorizes species based on their extinction risk, which helps governments, NGOs, and international bodies focus efforts on the most threatened species. It guides decisions on legal protection measures, trade restrictions, and conservation programs. The classification also drives international collaboration by identifying global hotspots of biodiversity loss, fostering cooperative conservation actions across borders to protect species and ecosystems.

Previous Year Questions on Critically endangered cr

1. UPSC CSE 2023

Question: "Explain the process and significance of the IUCN Red List classification for critically endangered species."

Answer: The IUCN Red List uses criteria such as population size, habitat loss, and decline in numbers over time to classify species. Critically Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. This classification helps in prioritizing conservation efforts, highlighting species that need immediate attention. The Red List is an essential tool for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists to track biodiversity and implement measures to protect the most vulnerable species.

2. UPSC CSE 2022

Question: "What are the criteria for classifying species as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and what are the challenges in their conservation?"

Answer: Species are classified as Critically Endangered if they meet criteria such as a population reduction of more than 90% in the last 10 years, a very restricted geographic range, or ongoing habitat degradation. The challenges in their conservation include inadequate funding, lack of political will, habitat destruction, poaching, and insufficient international cooperation. Addressing these issues requires concerted conservation efforts, legal protection, and sustainable management practices.