CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head>  <script async='' src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-11409245-4'></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-11409245-4'); gtag('config', 'UA-11409245-5'); gtag('config', 'UA-11409245-6'); </script> <meta content='text/html; charset=UTF-8' httpequiv='Content-Type'> <meta content='width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0' name='viewport'> <title> IUCN Red List of Threatened Species </title> <meta content='209484726251625' property='fb:app_id'> <meta content='IUCN Red List of Threatened Species' property='og:site_name'> <meta content='website' property='og:type'> <meta content='https://www.iucnredlist.org/en' property='og:url'> <meta content='The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species' property='og:title'> <meta content='Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world鈥檚 most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.' property='og:description'> <meta content='https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/home/harpalyce_macrocarpa-8b592ff8c46b881b478b65ff915fec77c0801c7f3c22a2ef1de71fca5b641571.jpg' property='og:image'> <meta name="csrf-param" content="authenticity_token" /> <meta name="csrf-token" content="ed5f0oFGMBsphxrK18nU8mViZL4svHeLQ8MZLwLL/IeTrlkd0CO4KBNfydc+gWDMs3UMZocRqPfvCV/JtQLjPw==" />  <link href='https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/ico/favicon-8a36a9b031e538075e427b840a32b09f0cf1f01660bd7a9a2ec8d8fbf6712122.ico' rel='shortcut icon' type='image/x-icon'>  <link href='https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/ico/favicon-152-6f79da97518befec9badde8dd45da3a0c0bcd7fba849a59c7e332860e35b563f.png' rel='apple-touch-icon-precomposed'>  <meta content='#DA2A1C' name='msapplication-TileColor'> <meta content='https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/ico/tile-144-7631fb1fd06da21433412a19f74565bc0624dfe4a283470b05826012246bf902.png' name='msapplication-TileImage'>  <meta content='Name' name='application-name'> <meta content='Tooltip' name='msapplication-tooltip'> <meta content='https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/ico/ieconfig-b4e484f605a439f8b8dab4c09d4de9b52f511cab37b369bb1b6a70d172f16ce6.xml' name='msapplication-config'> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/application-f6c3beb9c457f5b72860100f844d58ce4e690e174bd17f1ac253d54376d0c12d.css" /> </head> <body class='page-about page-content'> <div id='feedback'> <span id='feedback_button'> <a href="mailto:redlist@iucn.org?subject=Feedback%20on%20new%20Red%20List%20website"><img alt="feedback" src="https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/feedback-ff9e97bc39b9ea47cb552b887161aa72e3d59ab786f680255603c4c53b54d698.png" /> </a></span> </div> <div class='layout-site' id='page' role='document'>  <div class='layout-iconic-species-banner'> <a href="https://iconicspecies.iucnredlist.org"><img src="https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/home/red_list_iconic_species-b028c8b561a98847617b83cbda46f3c1f54a199cc0f4573f5de200e86de001f2.png" /></a> </div>  <div class='layout-account'> <div class='layout-account__links'> <strong class='account-item account-item--1n' title='IUCN Red List version'> 2024-2 </strong> <a class="account-item account-item--link" id="login-button" href="#link">Login / Register</a> <a class="account-item account-item--link" href="/support/whatsnew"><span>☀</span> What's New </a><a class="account-item account-item--link" href="/contact/contact-page">Contact</a> <a class="account-item account-item--link" href="/terms/terms-of-use">Terms of Use</a> <form class="language-select-form" action="/language" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="ZuKZeSTRtKqZZ0zAUT3pPsg17sXbvgRVzNUVs0X62JpZd1Y/y2SUDn7uvNO4ihEsoibRiFPOliH0XWVQHcJeVw==" /> <select class='form__select form__select--sm' id='language-form__select' name='language'> <option selected value='en'>English</option> <option value='ja'>Japanese</option> <option value='fr'>French</option> <option value='es'>Spanish</option> </select> </form> </div> </div> <header class='bg-brand' id='masthead' role='banner'> <div class='layout-masthead'> <nav class='nav-greedy' id='navigation' role='navigation'> <a class='brand-symbol' href='/' rel='home'>The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a> <h2 class='u--hide'>Site navigation</h2> <ul class='nav-site nav-greedy__items'> <li class='nav-site__item nav-site__item--search nav-greedy__items__item'> <div id='nav-search'></div> <a class='nav-site__link-single' href='/search'>Advanced</a> </li> <li class="nav-site__item nav-greedy__items__item active"><a class="nav-site__link" href="/about">About</a></li> <li class="nav-site__item nav-greedy__items__item"><a class="nav-site__link" href="/assessment">Assessment process</a></li> <li class="nav-site__item nav-greedy__items__item"><a class="nav-site__link" href="/resources/grid">Resources & Publications</a></li> <li class="nav-site__item nav-greedy__items__item nav-site__item--support"><a class="nav-site__link" href="/support/donate">Support us</a></li> </ul> <button class='nav-greedy__button is-hidden'>Menu</button> <ul class='nav-greedy__items--hidden is-hidden'></ul> </nav> </div> </header> <div id='content'> <main> <div class='layout-page'> <div class='layout-page__minor -sidebar'> <nav class='nav-aside'> <div class='nav-aside__heading'> <h2 class='heading heading--aside'>About</h2> <span class='u--hide'>Page navigation</span> </div> <ul> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/background-history'>Background & History</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/barometer-of-life'>Barometer of Life </a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/uses'>How the Red List is Used</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/partners'>Red List Partnership</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/rlc'>Red List Committee</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/sponsors'>Sponsors</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/iucn-toyota'>IUCN鈥揟oyota Partnership</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/regional'>Regional Assessments</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/green-status-species'>IUCN Green Status of Species</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/citationinfo'>Citing The IUCN Red List</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item' href='/about/searching'>Searching The IUCN Red List</a> </li> <li> <a class='nav-aside__item nav-aside__item--active' href='/about/faqs'>FAQs</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class='layout-page__major cms-content'> <article class='layout-page__article' id='background-history'> <div class='layout-container layout-container--centered'> <header> <h1 class='article__title'>Frequently Asked Questions</h1> </header> <h2 class="article__header--h2" style="text-align: justify;"><a id="PageIndex" name="PageIndex"></a></h2> <ul> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#What is The IUCN Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">What is The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</span></a><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">™</span></span></span>?</span></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How often is the Red List updated"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How often does IUCN update the Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Who uses the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Who uses The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#What are the Red List Categories and Criteria"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">What are The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#What taxa are on the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">What taxa are included in The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Who assesses taxa for the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Who assesses species for The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#What data are avalable on the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">What data are available on The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Why does a species change category"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Why does a species change category on The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Why is Amazing Species PDF out of date"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Why is there an "Amazing Species" PDF which gives a different category to the current one per the species' assessment?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Why are LC species on the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Why are Least Concern species included on The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Are national assessments on the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Are national Red List assessments available on The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Is a printed version avvailable"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Is a printed version of The IUCN Red List available?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How do I search the website"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How do I search for a species on The IUCN Red List website?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Why is the species I am looking for not on the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Why is the species I am looking for not on The IUCN Red List website?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Why does the Catalogue of Life appear in the search field"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">Why does the Catalogue of Life sometimes appear in the Red List search field?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How do I create a user account"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How do I create a user account for The IUCN Red List website?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Unable to log in"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">I have an account in the IUCN Red List website. Why am I unable to log in or reset my password?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#Which species have gone extinct recently"><font color="#da2a1c">Which species have gone extinct most recently?</font></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#When will a species become extinct"><font color="#da2a1c">When will a particular species become extinct?</font></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How can a species come back from being extinct"><font color="#da2a1c">How can a species come back from being extinct?</font></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How can I support the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How can I support The IUCN Red List?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How do I submit my photos"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How do I submit my photos of species to The IUCN Red List website?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#May I use species images from thewebsite"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">May I use images of species from The IUCN Red List website in my work?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#May I use information from the Red List"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">May I use information from The IUCN Red List in my work?</span></a></h2> </li> <li class="article__text"> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><a href="#How do I get a copy of the media release"><span style="color:#da2a1c;">How do I get a copy of The IUCN Red List media release?</span></a></h2> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p class="article__text">If you are not able to find the answer to your question, please<span style="color:#da2a1c;"> </span><a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/support/contact"><span style="color:#0f456f;">contact us</span></a><span style="color:#da2a1c;"> </span>- we will be happy to help. </p> <p class="article__text"> </p> <hr /> <p> </p> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="What is The IUCN Red List" name="What is The IUCN Red List"></a>What is The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">™</span></span></span>?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">™</span></span></span> is the world's most comprehensive information source on the extinction risk of animals, fungi and plants. Assessors place species into one of the IUCN Red List Categories, based on a series of assessment criteria. For each species, The IUCN Red List provides information about its range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats and conservation actions. For a summary of the number of species on the current Red List, see the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/summary-statistics"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Summary Statistics page</span></a> or use the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/search"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Advanced Search</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2" style="text-align: justify;"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How often is the Red List updated" name="How often is the Red List updated"></a>How often does IUCN update the Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The Red List is updated a few times per year. You can find a list of scheduled updates <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/updates"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2" style="text-align: justify;"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Who uses the Red List" name="Who uses the Red List"></a>Who uses The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">A variety of people, governments and organisations use The IUCN Red List. International policy makers, government agencies, wildlife departments, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) use the data to support and plan conservation actions and priorities. Businesses and natural resource planners rely on the Red List to better understand their environmental impact and how minimise this. The IUCN Red List is also an important resource for educators, students and scientists. You can find more information about the uses of the Red List <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/uses"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2" style="text-align: justify;"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="What are the Red List Categories and Criteria" name="What are the Red List Categories and Criteria"></a>What are The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List Categories indicate how close a species is to becoming extinct. The nine Red List Categories are shown below: <img alt="" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/content/images/content_categories_chart_global_v3.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 433px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /></p> <p class="article__text">Species are assessed against five criteria (see below) based on geographic range, population size and population decline/increase, in addition to extinction probability analyses. These criteria determine which category is most appropriate for the species. You can find a useful summary of the criteria <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/summary-sheet"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text"><img alt="" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/content/images/content_Summary_of_Criteria_to_Threatened_Category_Process.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 327px;" /></p> <p class="article__text">Species in the Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered categories are collectively described as 'threatened'. The IUCN Red List does not include Not Evaluated species. Critically Endangered species may also be tagged as Possibly Extinct or Possibly Extinct in the Wild. For regional assessments, two additional categories are also available: 'Not Applicable' and 'Regionally Extinct'. You can find out more about regional assessments <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/regional"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.<br />  </p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <p> </p> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="What taxa are on the Red List" name="What taxa are on the Red List"></a>What taxa are included on The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">Animals, plant and fungi species, subspecies, varieties (plants only) and subpopulations can be assessed on the Red List. However, an assessment of the animal, plant or fungi at the species level is required before subspecies, varieties and subpopulations can be assessed. The listing of undescribed species is discouraged, but can be included in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear conservation benefit. Hybrids of species, domesticated taxa and micro-organisms are not included on the Red List.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Who assesses taxa for the Red List" name="Who assesses taxa for the Red List"></a>Who assesses species for The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List relies on Assessors (trained individuals, usually species experts) to assess species based on the currently available data and information. This comes from a range of sources, including published scientific papers, books, reports, expert knowledge, indigenous knowledge and citizen science. Red List Authorities review the assessments, and then the IUCN Red List Unit checks the assessments before publishing them on The IUCN Red List website. You can learn about the assessment process in more detail <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/process"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="What data are avalable on the Red List" name="What data are avalable on the Red List"></a>What data are available on The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List provides information about the geographic range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and trade, threats and conservation actions for species. For a full explanation of all the information available, see the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/supporting-information"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Supporting Information</span></a> page. It is easy to find and download data using the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/search"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Advanced Search</span></a> function on the website.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Why does a species change category" name="Why does a species change category"></a>Why does a species change category on The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">This can happen for a number of reasons. Changes in category can be either 'genuine' or 'non-genuine'. You can learn about the reasons for category changes in more detail <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/reasons-changing-category"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Why is Amazing Species PDF out of date" name="Why is Amazing Species PDF out of date"></a>Why is there an "Amazing Species" PDF which gives a different category to the current one per the species' assessment?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The Amazing Species PDFs were used for social media campaigns and other awareness-raising activities, over a number of years. Each one was created to reflect a particular snapshot in time for a species. Since that point in time, the species may have changed category for a number of reasons (see <a href="#Why does a species change category"><span style="color:#0f456f;">above</span></a>) and other information about the species could also become out of date. Where there are discrepancies between the Amazing Species PDF and the assessment, the assessment should be taken as more up-to-date. However, we keep the Amazing Species PDFs available as they are a popular resource and add another dimension to the information available through The IUCN Red List website.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Why are LC species on the Red List" name="Why are LC species on the Red List"></a>Why are Least Concern species included on The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">Although Least Concern species have a lower risk of extinction, they are still important in terms of global biodiversity. Some Least Concern species are undergoing slow declines. It is important to monitor these species and to develop appropriate conservation actions to prevent them from becoming threatened in the future. The inclusion of Least Concern species on the Red List allows us to track the changing status of biodiversity.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Are national assessments on the Red List" name="Are national assessments on the Red List"></a>Are national Red List assessments available on The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">Many countries develop their own national Red Lists to help them monitor the status of biodiversity within their borders and to help them to develop appropriate conservation policies and actions. Each country is responsible for managing and publishing their own national Red List data. Some of the national Red Lists are available on the <a href="https://www.nationalredlist.org/"><span style="color:#0f456f;">National Red List</span></a> and <a href="https://tools.bgci.org/threat_search.php"><span style="color:#0f456f;">BGCI ThreatSearch</span></a> websites.<br /> <br /> The primary aim of The IUCN Red List is to provide global extinction risk assessments for species. IUCN also coordinates some regional assessment projects (e.g. for <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/regions/europe"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Europe</span></a> and the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/regions/mediterranean"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Mediterranean</span></a>), which are made available on the IUCN Red List website.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Is a printed version avvailable" name="Is a printed version avvailable"></a>Is a printed version of The IUCN Red List available?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List is no longer available as a printed publication. Since the 1990s, the Red List has grown in size and complexity and it now includes assessments for more than 166,000 species, more than 3,000 subspecies and plant varieties, and more than 28,000 regional assessments. The number of assessments continues to increase with each Red List update. It also includes images for many species, distribution maps, supporting information for the assessments, and historic Red List assessments. (see the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/supporting-information"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Supporting Information</span></a> page for a full explanation of what information is included in the assessments) This wealth of information means it is no longer possible to publish The IUCN Red List as a book.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How do I search the website" name="How do I search the website"></a>How do I search for a species on The Red List website?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">You can search for species that you are interested in using the search field and the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/search"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Advanced Search</span></a>,<span style="color:#da2a1c;"> </span>both of which are accessible from any page on the website.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Why is the species I am looking for not on the Red List" name="Why is the species I am looking for not on the Red List"></a>Why is the species I am looking for not on The IUCN Red List website?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">Currently, there are estimated to be more than 2 million described species living on Earth, of which less than 10% have been assessed for the Red List. If a species is not on the website, it is treated as Not Evaluated. For any further information, please <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/support/contact"><span style="color:#0f456f;">contact the Red List Unit</span></a><font color="#da2a1c">.</font></p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Why does the Catalogue of Life appear in the search field" name="Why does the Catalogue of Life appear in the search field"></a>Why does the Catalogue of Life sometimes appear in the Red List search field?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The Catalogue of Life is a global index of names for currently described species.<br /> <br /> The IUCN Red List website does not include Not Evaluated species. When you search the Red List website, the name will be used to automatically search both The IUCN Red List and the Catalogue of Life websites. If the species is not on the Red List website, but appears in the search field under the title "CATALOGUE OF LIFE", this usually means that the species has not yet been assessed for The IUCN Red List and is therefore considered Not Evaluated.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How do I create a user account" name="How do I create a user account"></a>How do I create a user account for The IUCN Red List website?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The data on The IUCN Red List are freely available for non-commercial use. To sign up for an account, click 'Login/Register' at the top right of any page on the website. You will receive a confirmation email and you will need to click on its link to activate your account. You can also sign in to the website using your Facebook, Google or Twitter accounts. Creating an account will allow you to save searches and download information from the Red List. To access your account page, log in and click your name at the top of the screen.</p> <p class="article__text">To update or change the information received when downloading search results from the Red List website, you can update your download preferences from your user account. To do this, go to your account page and click 'Edit Profile'. Select the relevant boxes at the bottom of the screen and save these changes. The next time you download search results, you will receive additional information which corresponds to the options you previously selected.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2" id="marked-i-have-an-account-in-the-iucn-red-list-website-why-am-i-unable-to-log-in-or-reset-my-password"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Unable to log in" name="Unable to log in"></a>I have an account in the IUCN Red List website. Why am I unable to log in or reset my password?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">In most cases this problem is related to accounts that were not confirmed. Please check your email inbox for a message with the subject 'Confirmation instructions' from <a href="mailto:redlist@iucn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0f456f;">redlist@iucn.org</span></a>. You can also '<a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/users/confirmation/new"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Resend confirmation email</span></a>'.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="Which species have gone extinct recently" name="Which species have gone extinct recently"></a>Which species have gone extinct most recently?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">This is a very difficult question to answer because we cannot be certain of a species' date of extinction. It is particularly difficult to determine exactly when a species becomes extinct because it is extremely rare for anyone to witness the death of the last individual. The IUCN Red List records 'last seen' dates for species assessed as Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), and for Critically Endangered species flagged as Possibly Extinct (CR(PE)) or Possibly Extinct in the Wild (CR(PEW)). The 'last seen' date means the species became extinct sometime between that date and the date it was first listed as EX, EW, CR(PE) or CR(PEW) on The IUCN Red List.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="When will a species become extinct" name="When will a species become extinct"></a>When will a particular species become extinct?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The IUCN Red List provides a measure of current extinction risk and not an estimated timing of when extinction will occur. The main purpose of The IUCN Red List is to provide information to help catalyse and inform conservation action in order to prevent species extinctions, rather than to document extinctions as they happen.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How can a species come back from being extinct" name="How can a species come back from being extinct"></a>How can a species come back from being extinct?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">There have been cases where a species that was previously listed as Extinct on The IUCN Red List moves into another Red List Category after living individuals are found. These are so-called 'Lazarus' species. Situations such as these can occur as the result of the 'Romeo' error: when a species is declared extinct, while it is still alive. This sort of mistake can result in a species actually becoming extinct after protection and conservation efforts are withdrawn. Therefore, it is important to consider all the evidence before listing a species as Extinct to avoid erroneously recording a species as extinct.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How can I support the Red List" name="How can I support the Red List"></a>How can I support The IUCN Red List?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">The future of The IUCN Red List relies on donors. As a result, we greatly appreciate all donations, which help us to continue assessing the extinction risk of species and monitoring the changing status of the planet's biodiversity. You can find more information about making a donation <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/support/donate"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>. <br /> <br /> <em>Please note: we are currently only able to accept donations in US dollars.</em></p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How do I submit my photos" name="How do I submit my photos"></a>How do I submit my photos of species to The IUCN Red List website?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">We welcome high-quality, verified photographs of wild animals, fungi and plants, ideally in their natural habitats. If you have an image you would like to donate, please <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/support/contact"><span style="color:#0f456f;">contact us</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="May I use species images from thewebsite" name="May I use species images from thewebsite"></a>May I use images of species from The IUCN Red List website in my work?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">As many of the species images displayed on our website are kindly donated, IUCN does not hold the copyright to these images and cannot grant permission for their use. We recommend that you contact the copyright holder directly to ask permission.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="May I use information from the Red List" name="May I use information from the Red List"></a>May I use information from The Red List website in my work?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">You can download and use information from the Red List in accordance with our <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/terms/terms-of-use"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Terms of Use</span></a><span style="color:#da2a1c;"> </span>policy. A summary of this policy is also available <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/summary-terms/summary-terms-of-use"><span style="color:#0f456f;">here</span></a>. Please <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/support/contact"><span style="color:#0f456f;">contact the Red List Unit</span><span style="color:#da2a1c;"> </span></a>with any questions that you have regarding our Terms of Use. </p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <hr /> <h2 class="article__header--h2"> </h2> <h2 class="article__header--h2"><span style="color:#da2a1c;"><a id="How do I get a copy of the media release" name="How do I get a copy of the media release"></a>How do I get a copy of The IUCN Red List media release?</span></h2> <p class="article__text">If you are a journalist, please contact the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/press"><span style="color:#0f456f;">IUCN press team</span></a> to request media releases and to be added to our press list. Media releases are also published online on the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/press-releases?ptype=international"><span style="color:#0f456f;">IUCN website</span></a> and can be found on the Red List website <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/"><span style="color:#0f456f;">home page</span></a>.</p> <p class="article__text" style="text-align: right;"><a href="#PageIndex"><span style="color:#0f456f;">Back to page index</span></a></p> <p class="article__text"> </p> </div> </article> </div> </div> </main> </div>  <footer class='layout-footer' id='colophon' role='contentinfo'> <section> <h1 class='heading heading--section'> <div class='layout-container layout-container--centered'>The Red List Partnership</div> </h1> <ul class='list-partners'> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.iucn.org/'> <img class="partner partner--iucn" alt="IUCN" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521112071-iucn.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.iucn.org/commissions/species-survival-commission'> <img class="partner partner--ssc" alt="SSC" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521112055-ssc.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark'> <img class="partner partner--abq" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1607600142-2_biopark_logo_4c_square.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='http://www.asu.edu'> <img class="partner partner--asu" alt="ASU" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521112040-asu.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.birdlife.org/'> <img class="partner partner--birdlife-international" alt="BirdLife International" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521111966-bird.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.bgci.org/'> <img class="partner partner--bgci" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1729099754-BGCI_Logo_2_sm.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.conservation.org/'> <img class="partner partner--conservation-international" alt="Conservation International" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521111931-CI.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/'> <img class="partner partner--mbg" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1587554421-Missouri_Botanical_Garden_Square_Green_transparent.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='http://www.natureserve.org/'> <img class="partner partner--natureserve" alt="NatureServe" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1620305979-NatureServe_new_logo_H_color.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.rewild.org'> <img class="partner Re:wild" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1629290618-Rewild_Logo_Primary_small.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.kew.org/'> <img class="partner partner--royal-botanic-gardens-kew" alt="Royal Botanic Gardens Kew" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521111861-kew.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.uniroma1.it/'> <img class="partner partner--sapienza" alt="Sapienza - Universit脿 di Roma" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521111901-sapienza.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.senckenberg.de/en/'> <img class="partner partner-senckenberg" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1687777020-1686930683-Senckenberg_Logo_tiny.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.tamu.edu/'> <img class="partner partner--texas-a-m" alt="Texas A & M University" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1521111824-tamu.png" /> </a> </li> <li class='list-partners__item'> <a href='https://www.zsl.org'> <img class="partner partner--zsl" alt="ZSL" src="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/partners/images/1676021330-ZSL_Stacked_RGB_trans.png" /> </a> </li> </ul> </section> <div class='layout-footer__columns'> <div class='layout-footer__columns--inner'> <div class='layout-footer__column'> <p class='heading heading--list'>About</p> <ul class='list-footer'> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/sponsors'>Sponsors</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/searching'>Searching The IUCN Red List</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/uses'>How the Red List is Used</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/iucn-toyota'>IUCN鈥揟oyota Partnership</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/rlc'>Red List Committee</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/green-status-species'>The IUCN Green Status of Species</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/regional'>Regional Red List Assessments</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/barometer-of-life'>Barometer of Life </a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/background-history'>Background & History</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/citationinfo'>Citing The IUCN Red List</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/partners'>Red List Partnership</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/about/faqs'>Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class='layout-footer__column'> <p class='heading heading--list'>ASSESSMENT PROCESS</p> <ul class='list-footer'> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/sis'>IUCN Species Information Service (SIS) </a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/authorities'>Red List Authorities</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/reasons-changing-category'>Reasons for Changing Category</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/process'>Raw Data to Red List</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/measuring-recovery-green-status-species'>Measuring Recovery with the IUCN Green Status of Species</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/star'>The Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) Metric</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/red-list-index'>Red List Index (RLI)</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/updates'>Planned Red List Updates</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/supporting-information'>Supporting Information</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/assessment/petitions'>Assessment Petitions</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class='layout-footer__column'> <p class='heading heading--list'>RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS</p> <ul class='list-footer'> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/amazing-species'>Amazing Species</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/scientific-papers'>Scientific Papers</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/guidelines'>Guidelines & Brochures</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/photos_and_videos'>Photos and videos</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/books'>Books</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/related_publications'>Related publications</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/tools'>Tools</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/training'>Red List Training</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/summary-statistics'>Summary Statistics</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/resources/grid/spatial-data'>Spatial Data & Mapping Resources</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class='layout-footer__column'> <p class='heading heading--list'>Support</p> <ul class='list-footer u--margin-bottom-md'> <li class='list-footer__item'> <div id='feedback_footer'> <a href="mailto:redlist@iucn.org?subject=Feedback%20on%20new%20Red%20List%20website"><span class='list-footer__link'>Give us feedback</span> </a></div> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/support/contact'>Contact</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/support/thank-you'>Thank you for your support!</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/support/whatsnew'>What's New</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <a class='list-footer__link' href='/support/donate'>Donate</a> </li> </ul> <a class='cta cta--secondary u--margin-bottom-lg' href='/support/donate'>Donate now</a> <p class='heading heading--list'>Follow us</p> <ul class='list-footer'> <li class='list-footer__item'> <span class='list-footer__icon list-footer__icon--facebook'></span> <a class='list-footer__link' href='https://www.facebook.com/iucn.red.list/'>Facebook</a> </li> <li class='list-footer__item'> <span class='list-footer__icon list-footer__icon--twitter'></span> <a class='list-footer__link' href='https://twitter.com/iucnredlist'>X (Twitter)</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class='layout-footer__colophon'> <div class='layout-container layout-container--centered'> <p class='colophon__citation'>IUCN 2025. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2024-2. <https://www.iucnredlist.org></p> <p class='colophon__issn'>ISSN 2307-8235</p> <ul> <li class='colophon__copyright'> <a class='colophon__copyright__link' href='/policy/privacy-policy'>Privacy and security</a> </li> <li class='colophon__copyright'> <p>漏 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li class='colophon__copyright'> <p>This website was made possible through generous support from: </p> </li> <li class='colophon__copyright'> <a class='colophon__copyright__link' href='/about/iucn-toyota'>Toyota Motor Corporation</a> , <a class='colophon__copyright__link' href='/about/sponsors'>Synchronicity Earth</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <div class='login-panel layout-section layout-container' id='login-overlay'> <span class='heading'>My Account</span> <h1 class='headline__title'>Log in</h1> <p class='u--margin-top-md u--margin-bottom-md text-body'>You must log in to access advanced IUCN Red List functionality. Please enter your e-mail address and password below.</p> <form class="new_user" id="login-modal-form" action="/users/sign_in" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /><input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="J5K9049+qDEB6bhH60qsxTQB2spfnU59DgeIZ1hy2bkDy7/QoBMwVbkYfoW01MPvS857pZXZaoL53C4gvvH/fQ==" /><div class='form__el--stacked'> <label for="login-modal-email" class="u--margin-bottom-sm">Email address</label> <input id="login-modal-email" class="form__text form__text--dark" tabindex="1" type="email" value="" name="user[email]" /> </div> <div class='form__el--stacked'> <label for="login-modal-password" class="u--margin-bottom-sm">Password</label> <input id="login-modal-password" class="form__text form__text--dark" autocomplete="off" tabindex="2" type="password" name="user[password]" /> </div> <div class='form__el--stacked u--margin-bottom-md'> <input name="user[remember_me]" type="hidden" value="0" /><input id="login-modal-remember" class="form__checkbox" tabindex="3" type="checkbox" value="1" name="user[remember_me]" /> <label for="login-modal-remember" class="form__checkbox__label">Remember me</label> </div> <div class='form__el--stacked u--margin-bottom-md'> <button name="button" type="submit" class="button button--primary">Log in</button> </div> <div class='u--margin-bottom-xsm'><a class="link--sublink" href="/users/password/new">Forgot your password?</a></div> <div class='u--margin-bottom-xsm'><a class="link--sublink" href="/users/confirmation/new">Resend Confirmation Email</a></div> <div class='form-separator'> <span>or</span> </div> <a class="button button--social button--social--facebook" href="/users/auth/facebook"><div class='icon'> <i class='icon-facebook'></i> </div> Sign in with Facebook </a><a class="button button--social button--social--google" href="/users/auth/google"><div class='icon'></div> Sign in with Google </a><a class="button button--social button--social--twitter" href="/users/auth/twitter"><div class='icon'> <i class='icon-twitter'></i> </div> Sign in with Twitter </a><div class='u--margin-bottom-xsm'> <em class='text-disclaimer'>By registering/signing up through either Facebook, Google or Twitter account, you are hereby acknowledging that you have read, and also accept the Privacy policy</em> </div> </form><div class='login-register u--padding-top-lg'> <span class='heading'>Register for an account</span> <p class='u--margin-bottom-md text-body'>To save searches and access a historical view of information you have downloaded you are required to register for an account.</p> <div class='form__el--stacked'> <a class="link--sublink register-link" href="/users/sign_up">Register now</a> </div> </div> </div> </body> <script src="https://nrl.iucnredlist.org/assets/application-ed9072936edb6b54efcb041eead8de164a5a44ce6355af68f4c91c4003449448.js"></script> <script> document.getElementsByTagName("html")[0].className += "js"; if(!window.I18n){ I18n = {}; } I18n.defaultLocale = "en"; I18n.locale = "en"; </script> <script src="//nrl.iucnredlist.org/packs/redlist-60b3100997496b962b44.js"></script> </html>