Classifying threatened species: means and ends

1994 ◽  
Vol 344 (1307) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Extinction Rate ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Means And Ends ◽  
Species Area ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

Threatened species lists are widely consulted as sources of information on the conservation status of species. However, their application to planning for conservation is limited because they have not been developed systematically, and because the criteria used to judge extinction risk are subjective. Recently, new proposals have been made to increase the broader usefulness of these lists, and some elements of these proposals are reviewed here. Apart from indicating the geographical and taxonomic groups containing most threatened species, these lists can provide other kinds of information. Some data from threatened species classifications using quantitative criteria provide a new method for estimating extinction rates in a variety of vertebrate taxa. This analysis suggests that over the next 100 years, the extinction rate could be as high as 15-20% in these groups. These values are comparable to those based upon extrapolations from species-area curves. However, allocating threatened species categories is only a first step towards developing rational systems for setting conservation priorities. These systems will need to consider a quite different set of variables, including those for incorporating species conservation priorities in area-based planning

scholarly journals Conservation Status of Marine Biodiversity in Oceania: An Analysis of Marine Species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Polidoro ◽  
Cristiane T. Elfes ◽  
Jonnell C. Sanciangco ◽  
Helen Pippard ◽  
Kent E. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Conservation Action

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.

scholarly journals Diversity patterns and conservation status of native argentinean crucifers (Brassicaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 530-566
Author(s):  
Diego L. Salariato ◽  
Fernando O. Zuloaga
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Species Extinction ◽  
Species List ◽  
Patagonian Steppe ◽  
Distribution Maps

Global warming, coupled with habitat destruction and human activity, are accelerating the rates of species extinction worldwide. Species-extinction risk assessment using the IUCN Red List categories, together with the study of the spatial patterns of biodiversity, are fundamental approaches for identifying conservation priorities and targeting government decisions to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Here, we analyzed the geographic distribution of Argentinean species of Brassicaceae using species point distributional data. In this way, we classified species following the IUCN threat categories at a regional level, and analyzed patterns of richness, endemism, and threat on the different ecoregions and biomes of the country. In addition, we also explored differences in elevation, annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, and aridity between endemic vs. non-endemic and threatened vs. non-threatened species. The results showed that of the 162 Argentinean taxa, 58 species were here categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (36%). However, when only endemics are considered, more than half of these (33 spp, 57%) are threatened. Although species inhabit all environments and biogeographic regions of the country, arid to semi-arid areas, which are associated to the Andes and the Patagonian steppe, contained most of the species. Specifically, the Central Andean Puna and the Patagonian steppe ecoregions included the greatest number of species, endemics, and threatened species. Furthermore, different hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat were detected along Andean regions and the Patagonian steppe, and endemics were characterized by inhabiting on average drier areas than non-endemic native species. An up-to-date species list, including conservation status, distribution maps for all species, hotspots of richness, endemism, and threat, are also provided. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the Argentinean flora and its conservation, complementing the information published in the Flora of Argentina.

scholarly journals New records and geographic distribution of Glaziophyton mirabile (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)

Check List ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo P. Fernandez ◽  
Miguel Avila Moraes ◽  
Gustavo Martinelli
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
New Records ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
The State ◽  
Geographical Range ◽  
Campos De Altitude

Glaziophyton Franch. is a monotypic bamboo genus (G. mirabile Franch.), narrowly endemic to the Campos de Altitude in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Five occurrence sites are known, but one is considered locally extinct and, at two sites, the species has not been recollected for several years. Due to its restricted geographical range G. mirabile is classified as a threatened species. In this study we report two new populations. These new records might change the species conservation status and the category of its extinction risk.

scholarly journals Global extinction risk for seahorses, pipefishes and their near relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riley A. Pollom ◽  
Gina M. Ralph ◽  
Caroline M. Pollock ◽  
Amanda C.J. Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Data Deficient

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.

scholarly journals Multiple drivers of decline in the global status of freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Astacidea)

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1662) ◽  
pp. 20140060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia I. Richman ◽  
Monika Böhm ◽  
Susan B. Adams ◽  
Fernando Alvarez ◽  
Elizabeth A. Bergey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Freshwater Crayfish ◽  
Freshwater Biodiversity ◽  
Face Threats ◽  
Global Status ◽  
Alternative Means

Rates of biodiversity loss are higher in freshwater ecosystems than in most terrestrial or marine ecosystems, making freshwater conservation a priority. However, prioritization methods are impeded by insufficient knowledge on the distribution and conservation status of freshwater taxa, particularly invertebrates. We evaluated the extinction risk of the world's 590 freshwater crayfish species using the IUCN Categories and Criteria and found 32% of all species are threatened with extinction. The level of extinction risk differed between families, with proportionally more threatened species in the Parastacidae and Astacidae than in the Cambaridae. Four described species were Extinct and 21% were assessed as Data Deficient. There was geographical variation in the dominant threats affecting the main centres of crayfish diversity. The majority of threatened US and Mexican species face threats associated with urban development, pollution, damming and water management. Conversely, the majority of Australian threatened species are affected by climate change, harvesting, agriculture and invasive species. Only a small proportion of crayfish are found within the boundaries of protected areas, suggesting that alternative means of long-term protection will be required. Our study highlights many of the significant challenges yet to come for freshwater biodiversity unless conservation planning shifts from a reactive to proactive approach.

scholarly journals Broad and fine-scale threats on threatened Brazilian freshwater fish: variability across hydrographic regions and taxonomic groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murilo Luiz e Castro Santana ◽  
Fernando Rogério Carvalho ◽  
Fabrício Barreto Teresa
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Hydrographic Regions ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

Abstract: Anthropogenic environmental changes are the main cause of species extinction during the Holocene. Species have been exposed to major source of threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, introduced species, and harvesting, many of which are derived from specific anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization, agriculture, and damming (i.e. fine-scale threats). However, the importance of these threats on the species conservation status in a given region depends on the type of impacts they are exposed to and the susceptibility of species to these impacts. In this study, we used a database of threatened Brazilian freshwater fish species to test whether the major source of threats and the specific anthropogenic impacts to species vary across hydrographic regions and taxonomic groups. Our results showed that habitat loss is a ubiquitous major threat jeopardizing the conservation status of the Brazilian fish species. However, different fine-scale threats mediate this process across hydrographic regions and taxonomic groups. The combination of impacts from agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization affects most of the threatened species in the basins of the Northeast, South, and Southeast, including the species of the most threatened order, the Cyprinodontiformes. Damming is the main human activity affecting threatened species of Siluriformes, Characiformes, Gymnotiformes, and Cichliformes, especially in northern basins (Amazon and Tocantins-Araguaia). Therefore, we found that specific fine-scale threats influencing threatened species vary across hydrographic regions and taxonomic groups, probably due to geographic variability in the incidence of human activities and differential niche requirements and vulnerability of species to these activities.

scholarly journals The threats to Australia’s imperilled species and implications for a national conservation response

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Kearney ◽  
Josie Carwardine ◽  
April E. Reside ◽  
Diana O. Fisher ◽  
Martine Maron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Dramatic Decline ◽  
Legislative Support ◽  
Taxonomic Groups ◽  
Unique Species ◽  
National Approach

Since European occupation of Australia, human activities have caused the dramatic decline and sometimes extinction of many of the continent’s unique species. Here we provide a comprehensive review of threats to species listed as threatened under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Following accepted global categories of threat, we find that invasive species affect the largest number of listed species (1257 species, or 82% of all threatened species); ecosystem modifications (e.g. fire) (74% of listed species) and agricultural activity (57%) are also important. The ranking of threats was largely consistent across taxonomic groups and the degree of species’ endangerment. These results were significantly different (P<0.01) from recent analyses of threats to threatened species globally, which highlighted overexploitation, agriculture and urban development as major causes of decline. Australia is distinct not only in the biodiversity it contains but also in the extent and mixture of processes that threaten the survival of these species. Notably, the IUCN threat classification scheme separates the numerous threats (e.g. urban development, agriculture, mining) that cause habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, hence further research is required to quantify the net impact of these types of habitat change. We provide feasible suggestions for a more coordinated national approach to threatened species conservation, which could provide decision makers and managers at all levels with improved resources and information on threats and management. Adequate policy, legislative support and funding are critical for ensuring that on-ground management is successful in halting the decline of Australia’s threatened species.

scholarly journals A National assessment of aichi biodiversity target 12 – an international conservation initiative

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirandeep K Dhami
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
National Assessment ◽  
The Status ◽  
Aichi Biodiversity Targets ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Taking Action

The Aichi Biodiversity targets are a set of twenty targets for the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) that were developed with the intention to help each participating country to measure the progress made in preventing the loss of biological diversity. These targets provide a 10-year period for taking action by the countries. These targets setup in 2010 are expected to be achieved within 2020 by all the 193 countries signatory to CBD. Aichi Biodiversity Target 12 is considered to be one of the most important targets, which is directly or indirectly linked to all of the other 19 CBD Targets. Aichi-12 sets up the goal for each country to prevent the extinction of known threatened species and improve the conservation status of those species that are on decline. This target calls for establishment of conservation plans for species that face a high risk to extinction. Hence, it is of urgent need to understand the extinction risk posed to each of the threatened species in the country and the factors that are responsible for the population decline in species. Therefore, it is important for taking initiatives to remove/reduce those factors posing risk to the survival of species. This study presents a brief overview of the status and progress made by India towards achievement of Aichi-12.

scholarly journals Areas of global importance for terrestrial biodiversity, carbon, and water

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Jung ◽  
Andy Arnell ◽  
Xavier de Lamo ◽  
Shaenandhoa García-Rangel ◽  
Matthew Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Terrestrial Biodiversity ◽  
Carbon Retention ◽  
Total Carbon Stock

Summary paragraphTo meet the ambitious objectives of biodiversity and climate conventions, countries and the international community require clarity on how these objectives can be operationalized spatially, and multiple targets be pursued concurrently1. To support governments and political conventions, spatial guidance is needed to identify which areas should be managed for conservation to generate the greatest synergies between biodiversity and nature’s contribution to people (NCP). Here we present results from a joint optimization that maximizes improvements in species conservation status, carbon retention and water provisioning and rank terrestrial conservation priorities globally. We found that, selecting the top-ranked 30% (respectively 50%) of areas would conserve 62.4% (86.8%) of the estimated total carbon stock and 67.8% (90.7%) of all clean water provisioning, in addition to improving the conservation status for 69.7% (83.8%) of all species considered. If priority was given to biodiversity only, managing 30% of optimally located land area for conservation may be sufficient to improve the conservation status of 86.3% of plant and vertebrate species on Earth. Our results provide a global baseline on where land could be managed for conservation. We discuss how such a spatial prioritisation framework can support the implementation of the biodiversity and climate conventions.

Schätzung des aktuellen Bestandes der artreinen Schwarzpappel (Populus nigra L.)in der Schweiz | Estimation of the Current Frequency of Indigenous Black Poplar (Populus nigra L.) in Switzerland

1999 ◽  
Vol 150 (8) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Bang ◽  
Peter Rotach
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Populus Nigra ◽  
Current Investigation ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Field Sampling ◽  
Current Frequency ◽  
Black Poplar ◽  
Different Sources

Based on different sources of information and field sampling, the current investigation attempts to estimate the frequency of the indigenous black poplar (Populus nigra L.) in Switzerland. With an estimated number of 1 500 to 5 000 remaining individuals, Populus nigra L. seems to be a very rare and most likely threatened species. Possible measures for species conservation are discussed.

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