Extinction is the termination of an organism or a group of kinds (taxon), usually a species. When there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of a taxon has died, it is classified as Extinct (EX). When exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitats at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual) throughout a taxon's historic range fail to record an individual, the taxon is presumed extinct. Surveys should be conducted over a period of time that corresponds to the taxon's life cycle and life form. In this article, we will discuss the IUCN Classification Extinct (EX) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Extinct Category Logo

What is IUCN Red List?

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, which was established in 1964, has evolved into the world's most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species.
• The IUCN Red List is an important indicator of global biodiversity.
• It is far more than a list of species and their status; it is a powerful tool for informing and catalyzing action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, both of which are critical to protecting the natural resources we require to survive.
• It provides data on range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions to help inform conservation decisions.

Reasons for Species Extinction

• The primary causes of extinction are either natural or man-made. Through the process of speciation, new species emerge and species become extinct when they are no longer able to survive in changing conditions or against superior competition.
• A typical species becomes extinct within 10 million years (1 crore year) of its first appearance, though some species, known as living fossils, can live for hundreds of millions of years virtually unchanged.
• Extinction is a natural occurrence; it is estimated that 99.9 percent of all species that have ever existed are now extinct.
• Man-made causes of extinction include a variety of anthropogenic activities.
• Scientists have only recently become concerned about the high rates of recent extinctions caused by various anthropogenic activities.
• Anthropogenic activities include the intentional or unintentional introduction of invasive alien species, over-exploitation and unscientific collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) such as medicinal plants, climate change, unsustainable tourism, habitat destruction, encroachment, and so on.

Stages of Extinction

Local Extinction

The species is no longer found in the area it once inhabited, but it can still be found elsewhere on the planet.

Ecological Extinction

• There are so few members of the species left that it can no longer play its normal ecological role in the community.
• Background extinction is a continuous process of natural and low-level extinction caused by changes in environmental conditions; such changes can be small or large, gradual or sudden.
• When such changes occur, the local species must adapt, relocate to a more favourable area, or become extinct.
• Background extinction has always occurred, and biologists estimate that 99.9 percent of all species that have ever lived are extinct.
• Over long geological periods, the rate of background extinction has been generally consistent. However, mass extinctions have occurred on Earth at various points in time.
• Mass extinction is a global, catastrophic event in which more than 65 percent of all species become extinct.
• Over the last 500 million years, there have been five mass extinctions, each resulting in a massive loss of biodiversity.
• Both environmental and biological factors have contributed to mass extinctions. Global cooling, falling sea levels, predation, and competition are among the proposed causes.

Examples of Extinct Species

Atlas bears, Aurochs, Bali Tigers, Blackfin Ciscos, Caribbean Monk Seals, Carolina Parakeets, Caspian Tigers, Dinosaurs, Dodos, Dusky Seaside Sparrows, Elephant Bird, Golden Toad, Great Auk, Haast's Eagle, Japanese Sea Lion, Javan Tiger, Labrador Duck, Moa, Passenger Pigeon, Pterosaurs, Saber-toothed Cat, Schomburgk's deer, Short-faced bear, Steller's Sea Cow, Thylacine, Toolache Wallaby, Western Black Rhinoceros, Woolly Mammoth, Woolly Rhinoceros

Conclusion

Our planet is currently experiencing its sixth mass extinction of plants and animals — the sixth wave of extinctions over the last half-billion years. We are currently witnessing the worst mass extinction since the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. Although extinction is a natural occurrence, it happens at a "background" rate of one to five species per year. Scientists estimate that we are now losing species at up to 1,000 times the natural rate, with dozens becoming extinct every day.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the correct definition of "Extinct" according to the IUCN classification?

A) Species that are at risk of extinction in the wild
B) Species that have disappeared from their natural habitat
C) Species whose population is declining rapidly
D) Species that are found only in captivity

2. What does the IUCN "Extinct" classification indicate?

A) A species has a declining population
B) A species has completely disappeared from the planet
C) A species is critically endangered
D) A species is found only in a specific region

3. Can a species classified as "Extinct" be reclassified in the future?

A) No, once a species is extinct, it cannot be reclassified
B) Yes, if new evidence shows that individuals still exist
C) Yes, if the species' population increases significantly
D) No, it is permanently considered extinct

4. Which of the following species is classified as extinct under the IUCN classification?

A) Bengal Tiger
B) Dodo
C) Indian Elephant
D) African Lion

5. Why is the "Extinct" classification important in conservation efforts?

A) It helps focus conservation resources on endangered species
B) It discourages efforts to protect already extinct species
C) It marks the end of the species' conservation efforts
D) It allows the reintroduction of extinct species into the wild

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of the IUCN classification of species, especially in the context of extinct species. How does it contribute to conservation efforts?

Answer: The IUCN classification system is crucial for understanding the conservation status of species and guiding conservation priorities. The classification of species into categories like "Extinct," "Endangered," or "Critically Endangered" helps raise awareness and directs resources to prevent the loss of biodiversity. "Extinct" species indicate that a species has completely disappeared, often due to human activity or environmental changes, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation action. It also helps to track the recovery of species and implement restoration programs. For example, knowing that species like the dodo are extinct highlights the importance of preventing further extinctions through habitat protection, sustainable practices, and awareness campaigns.

Q2: What are the potential causes of species extinction, and how does the IUCN contribute to addressing these causes?

Answer: Species extinction can be caused by factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, invasive species, and pollution. The IUCN plays a pivotal role in identifying these threats through research and classification. By categorizing species based on their conservation status, the IUCN enables governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to focus on critical threats to biodiversity. For instance, the IUCN helps prioritize the protection of habitats, regulate hunting practices, and mitigate climate change impacts, all of which are necessary to prevent further extinctions. Through programs like the Red List, the IUCN provides valuable data for conservation efforts aimed at preserving threatened species.

Q3: Discuss how the IUCN's Red List and its "Extinct" classification influence global biodiversity policies and conservation strategies.

Answer: The IUCN Red List serves as a global benchmark for assessing the extinction risk of species. Its "Extinct" classification is a key indicator of biodiversity loss, which influences global policies and conservation strategies. Governments and international organizations use the Red List to guide conservation funding, allocate resources to species at risk, and formulate international treaties like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The "Extinct" classification also emphasizes the urgency of halting biodiversity loss and prompts nations to adopt more sustainable development practices. It shapes policies around habitat protection, climate change mitigation, and the prevention of illegal wildlife trade, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Previous Year Questions on Extinct Species and Conservation

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2015 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the role of the IUCN Red List in global biodiversity conservation. How does it impact national conservation policies?"

Answer: The IUCN Red List plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation by categorizing species based on their extinction risk. It helps identify species that are endangered or extinct, guiding conservation policies and actions. The Red List influences national conservation strategies by prioritizing species protection, informing habitat conservation initiatives, and directing funding to critical areas. It also shapes international agreements aimed at reducing biodiversity loss.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Explain the significance of the IUCN Red List in biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species."

Answer: The IUCN Red List is a vital tool for biodiversity conservation as it assesses the extinction risk of species. It categorizes species into various conservation statuses, from "Least Concern" to "Extinct." This classification helps identify at-risk species and prioritize conservation efforts. The Red List informs national policies, aids in the development of conservation programs, and encourages global collaboration to prevent extinction. It also serves as a critical resource for environmental impact assessments, guiding sustainable development practices to safeguard endangered species.