The global influence of the IUCN Red List can hinder species conservation efforts
Luke J. Dollar
Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC USA, Department of Environment and Sustainability, Catawba College, Salisbury, NC USA
Bryan P. Galligan
Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, I.L., U.S.A, Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
Anthony J. Giordano
The Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80524 USA, S.P.E.C.I.E.S. - The Society for the Preservation of Endangered Carnivores and their International Ecological Study, Ventura, CA 93006
Alicia Mastretta-Yanes
Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), Parques del Pedregal, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, México., Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Crédito Constructor, Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Juan Sebastián Moreno
Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 # 100-00, Cali, Colombia, Fundación Ecotonos, Cra 72 No. 13A-56, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
Pablo J. Negret
University of Bern, Wyss Academy for Nature, Centre for Development and Environment, Institute of Geography, Bern, Switzerland, The University of Queensland, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Qld 4072, Australia, The University of Queensland, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Qld 4072, Australia
José E. Serrano-Villavicencio
Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, Departamento de Mastozoología, Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
Abstract
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is an extinction risk assessment tool that has guided species conservation over the last five decades. However, as wildlife scientists and conservationists, we argue that its influence on the global conservation agenda can hinder effective species conservation efforts. Here, we review the limitations of the Red List and its misuse in priority setting, which can overlook local and regional contexts. This can result in improper allocation of conservation resources, especially in the Global South, where financial resources are limited. In particular, funds directed towards red-listed species may fail to address a broader range of conservation priorities. We also contend that extinction risk is insufficient for guiding conservation efforts and recommend broadening conservation planning and decision-making beyond reliance on the Red List. Thus, for a more inclusive and decentralized approach, we summarize guidelines for guiding species conservation at appropriate ecological, spatial, and taxonomic scales. Finally, we encourage more collaborative efforts and stakeholder engagement for the setting of conservation priorities and efficient funding allocation.