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

Assessed

134,425

species on the Red List

Threatened

37,480

species threatened with extinction

Target

160,000

species which the IUCN Red List aims to assess

How we engage

Species are critical for a healthy planet, but growing pressures from human activities are putting them at risk of extinction. 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 over 9000 members, within 160 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.

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Sustainable Use and Trade Photo: IUCN Bangladesh

Sustainable use and trade

Monkey Photo: Slavena Paneve via Unsplash (CC)

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Pseudagrion kamiranzovu Photo: Jens Kipping

Freshwater biodiversity

Procambarus clarkii Photo: Jordi Ray Gabarra

Invasive species

Quick reads

Aimed at policy-makers and journalists, IUCN Issues Briefs provide key information on selected issues in a two-pager format.

Post-2020 global biodiversity framework Photo: IUCN

Post-2020 global biodiversity framework

In October 2021, Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will meet in Kunming, China (COP15) to determine the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (the framework). IUCN Members...
Measuring contributions towards biodiversity targets Photo: IUCN

Measuring contributions towards biodiversity targets

Global biodiversity is declining at a faster rate than at any other time in human history. This is driven by pressures from human actions, including commercial activities. For example, species are...
Species and climate change Photo: IUCN

Species and Climate Change

Mean global temperatures have risen ~1ºC since pre-industrial times as a result of human activities. In addition to increasing global temperatures, the impacts of climate change include extreme...
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