NEWS

• India will conduct the National Red List Assessment of Indian Flora and Fauna, a first-of-its-kind survey assessing extinction risks of nearly 11,000 species of plants and animals.
• The initiative aims to provide a science-based, accurate picture of species vulnerability, informing effective conservation strategies.
• The exercise is expected to continue till 2030.

HIGHLIGHTS

Significance of the Initiative

• India already categorizes endangered species under various schedules, but this assessment will provide a comprehensive, standardized evaluation.
• Aligns with IUCN Red List methodology, the global benchmark for assessing extinction risk.
• Will create a pool of 300 certified assessors, enhancing national expertise in species conservation.
• Supports India’s commitments under:
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF)

Objectives

• Establish a coordinated national red listing system reflecting accurate conservation status.
• Publish National Red Data Books on flora and fauna by 2030.
• Provide a central resource for conservation planning and threat mitigation.

Funding and Implementation

• Entirely funded by public funds; estimated budget ₹95 crore.
• Overseen by Zoological Survey of India and the Ministry of Environment.
• Initiative launched during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, led by MoS Environment Kirtivardhan Singh.