Previous Year Question
The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
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.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 3
Only 2
2 and 3
Only 3
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The IUCN Red Data Books provide information about the conservation status of threatened plant and animal species.
IUCN initiated its system for assessing the global conservation status of species in 1964.
It is now principally known as the ‘IUCN Red List of Threatened Species’.
Along with animals and plants, the IUCN Red List also assesses species of fungi.
IUCN categories include Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient and Not Evaluated.
The term ‘threatened species’ collectively refers to species classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable.
A species is assessed using scientific criteria such as population decline, geographical range, population size and probability of extinction.
Therefore, Statement 2 concerning threatened plant and animal species is correct.
A species is not automatically included in a Red Data Book merely because it is endemic to a biodiversity hotspot.
Depending on its population and threats, an endemic species may fall under either a threatened or a Least Concern category. Therefore, Statement 1 is not correct.
The Red Data Book is not a list of protected sites in different countries. Therefore, Statement 3 is not correct.
Global information concerning protected areas is maintained in separate databases such as the ‘World Database on Protected Areas’.
An IUCN Red List category does not automatically provide statutory protection to a species.
IUCN conservation status, CITES Appendices and schedules under India’s Wildlife Protection Act are separate systems.