An endangered species is an organism that is on the verge of extinction. It is a plant or animal species that is so rare that it is on the verge of extinction, particularly one that has been threatened by human activity. The destruction or pollution of a species' native habitat is a major factor in its endangerment or extinction. Other factors include overhunting, intentional extinction, and the unintentional or intentional introduction of alien species that compete for environmental resources with native species. When the best available evidence indicates that a taxon meets any of the criteria for Endangered (EN), it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. In this article, we will discuss IUCN Classification - Endangered (EN) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Criteria for Endangered Species

• Population size has decreased by ≥70% in the last ten years or three generations, whichever is longer.
• The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, and the estimated area of occupancy is less than 500 km2.
• Population size is estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals, with a continuing decline of at least 20% expected within five years.
• The population size is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals.
• Quantitative analysis indicates that the likelihood of extinction in the wild is at least 20% within 20 years or five generations.

Protection of Endangered Species at National Level

• In India, endangered species include a wide range of rare wild animals, aquatic animals, and insects.
• Indian wildlife is known for having one of the richest varieties in the world, with numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and so on.
• There are several endangered species in Indian wildlife that are on the verge of extinction.
• An endangered species is defined as a population of a living being that is on the verge of extinction for a variety of reasons.
• They are either few in number or are threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters.
• Various national and international organisations, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and the Wildlife Institute of India, have identified endangered species in India (WII).

Examples of Endangered Species

African Penguin, African Wild Dog, Asian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, Blue Whale, Bonobo, Bornean Orangutan, Chimpanzees, Dhole, Ethiopian Wolf, Hispid Hare, Giant Otter, Giant Panda, Goliath Frog, Gorillas, Green Sea Turtle, Grevy's Zebra, Hyacinth Macaw, Japanese Crane, Lear's Macaw, Malayan Tapir, Markhor, Persian Leopard, Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Red-breasted Goose, Rothschild Giraffe, Snow Leopard, Steller's Sea Lion, Scopas tang, Takhi, Tiger, Vietnamese Pheasant, Volcano Rabbit, Wild Water Buffalo

Endangered Species Day: 2022

• India is a diverse country with numerous plant, animal, mammal, and reptile species. It is home to approximately 89 national parks, 18 bio-reserves, and 400 wildlife sanctuaries.
• The threat of wildlife becoming endangered has increased as a result of an increase in various activities such as hunting and poaching. The government has taken a number of steps to protect wildlife.
• Every year on the third Friday of May, Endangered Species Day is observed. It was observed on May 20 this year.
• David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition established the day in 2006 with the goal of celebrating, learning, and taking action to protect threatened and endangered species.

Conclusion

Our plants and wildlife contribute to a more interesting and beautiful world. More importantly, all living species, including humans, rely on one another for survival. Plants and wildlife are essential to all of us. Certain plants and animals have been discovered to be medicinal by scientists. We will never know how threatened or endangered species might have improved our lives if we do not protect them.

FAQs

Question. What is the IUCN Red List?

Question. What does "Endangered" mean in the IUCN classification?

Question. What are the criteria for a species to be classified as "Endangered"?

Question. What are the other categories of the IUCN Red List besides "Endangered"?

Question. How does the IUCN classification help in conservation?

MCQs

1. Which of the following categories is used by the IUCN to classify species at a high risk of extinction?

A) Critically Endangered

B) Least Concern

C) Vulnerable

D) Near Threatened

2. What does the IUCN Red List primarily assess?

A) The genetic diversity of species

B) The risk of extinction of species

C) The migration patterns of species

D) The economic impact of species

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of a species classified as "Endangered" in the IUCN Red List?

A) Stable or increasing population

B) No known threats

C) Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild

D) Large population and wide distribution

4. What is the meaning of the IUCN classification "Least Concern"?

A) Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction

B) Species at a low risk of extinction and widely distributed

C) Species with no known risks

D) Species that are no longer found in the wild

5. Which of the following is an example of a species that could be classified as "Critically Endangered" in the IUCN Red List?

A) African Elephant

B) Bengal Tiger

C) Vaquita (a marine mammal)

D) Common Crow

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the IUCN Red List in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Answer: The IUCN Red List is a vital tool in global biodiversity conservation as it provides a clear and scientifically backed assessment of species at risk of extinction. By categorizing species into various levels of risk, such as Least Concern, Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered, the IUCN Red List helps prioritize conservation actions. It informs policymakers, governments, and conservation organizations about species that need immediate attention and resources, facilitating targeted conservation programs. The Red List also helps in raising awareness about biodiversity loss and fosters global cooperation in protecting endangered species and ecosystems.

Q2: Examine the challenges in implementing conservation strategies for species classified as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

Answer: Implementing conservation strategies for species classified as "Endangered" presents several challenges. Key issues include inadequate funding for large-scale conservation projects, lack of political will in some regions, and insufficient data on species populations and habitats. Additionally, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change further exacerbate the difficulties. In many cases, conservation efforts are hindered by conflicts between development projects and environmental preservation. Effective conservation requires coordinated efforts from governments, local communities, NGOs, and international organizations, as well as long-term commitment and monitoring to ensure the survival of endangered species.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of habitat destruction and climate change on the extinction risk of species.

Answer: Habitat destruction and climate change are two of the most significant factors contributing to the extinction risk of species. Habitat destruction, driven by deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, leads to fragmentation of ecosystems, isolating species and reducing their ability to thrive. Climate change exacerbates this issue by altering temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns, which disrupt species' natural behaviors and habitats. Many species are unable to adapt to these rapid changes, leading to a decline in their populations. The combined effects of these environmental pressures push many species towards extinction, particularly those that are already vulnerable or have specialized habitat needs.

Previous Year Questions on  Endangered

1. UPSC CSE 2018

Question: "Discuss the role of the IUCN Red List in the conservation of endangered species."

Answer: The IUCN Red List plays a critical role in the conservation of endangered species by providing a scientifically backed assessment of their risk of extinction. It helps in identifying species that require immediate conservation action and directs resources towards their protection. The Red List is used by governments, NGOs, and international bodies to prioritize conservation efforts and track the progress of species recovery. It also raises awareness globally about the threats to biodiversity, helping to mobilize public and private sector support for conservation initiatives.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "Evaluate the significance of IUCN classification in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable development."

Answer: The IUCN classification is essential in protecting biodiversity as it highlights the species most at risk of extinction, helping to direct conservation efforts towards those with the highest need. The Red List informs sustainable development by guiding policies and practices that minimize human impact on ecosystems. It helps balance development and conservation by identifying areas that require special protection and encouraging practices that support biodiversity conservation, such as sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly tourism, and habitat restoration.