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UPSC Prelims 2011 · Environment · Rules for the Planet
The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
- Threatened plant and animal species.
- Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
- (a) 1 and 3
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 2 only
The Red Data Book lists threatened species.
Statement by statement
1. ✗ NO The Red Data Book is not a list of endemic species in hotspots.
2. ✓ YES It lists threatened plants and animals.
3. ✗ NO Protected sites are listed elsewhere (e.g. the World Database on Protected Areas).
The idea
The Red Data Book answers one question only: how close is this species to extinction? It is a list of species ranked by risk. It is not a list of places and not a list of endemic species.
Extinct → Extinct in the Wild → Critically Endangered → Endangered → Vulnerable → Near Threatened → Least Concern
Also know
“Threatened” means only three categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable. Two more labels exist: Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. An endemic species may or may not be threatened; the two ideas are separate. Protected areas of the world are recorded in the World Database on Protected Areas (UNEP-WCMC with IUCN). In India the Botanical Survey and the Zoological Survey publish national Red Data Books.
🔒 Red Data Book / Red List (IUCN) = threatened species. Historical pink pages = endangered species.