India to launch ‘Red List’ survey to assess extinction risks to plants and animals, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• India will assess nearly 11,000 species of plants and animals for extinction vulnerability.
• The National Red List Assessment of Indian Flora and Fauna aims to provide accurate threat assessments.
• The project will follow the IUCN Red List methodology, the global standard for listing species.
• India plans to publish National Red Data Books on flora and fauna by 2030.
• The project is funded publicly with an estimated budget of ₹95 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The initiative aims to establish a science-based red listing system reflecting the conservation status of Indian species.
• The project seeks to create a pool of 300 certified assessors within the country to enhance expertise.
• This assessment aligns with India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• It also aligns with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
• The Zoological Survey of India is involved in the implementation of this project.

Key Concepts Involved:

• IUCN Red List: A global standard for listing species based on extinction threats.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): An international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity.
• Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF): A global plan to protect biodiversity.