The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (hereafter the Red List), established in 1964, offers a comprehensive overview of global conservation status, covering plants, animals, and habitats.

With 150,300 species assessed globally, 28% are threatened with extinction, including notable percentages in various taxa. These assessments serve as vital tools for conservation efforts, employing standardised criteria to evaluate extinction risk based on factors such as threats, habitat loss, and population trends. This approach, guided by rigorous standards, provides a clear understanding of species vulnerability and aids in prioritising conservation actions.

The Red List’s systematic approach helps identify species at high risk of extinction, guiding global, regional, and local conservation priorities. While appeals are possible, listings are generally accepted by range states, conservation bodies, and international conventions. Red List assessments inform targeted conservation strategies and resource allocation, guiding conservation action for species and habitats. They foster global commitment and unity among range states in addressing conservation challenges. Additionally, the Red List Index tracks overall trends in extinction risk, serving as a crucial indicator for measuring progress towards reducing biodiversity loss on an international scale.

Determining a species’ listing involves a systematic process conducted by expert assessors following IUCN Red List criteria. Assessments consider factors like population decline, current population size and trends, distribution, and population fragmentation. They also incorporate the probability of extinction over a specified timeframe, often utilising modelling techniques. Data from various sources, including scientific studies and expert assessments, inform these evaluations. Assessors apply strict criteria to determine the species’ conservation status accurately.

Data on the Lion, an omnipresent symbol for Africa, was recently updated by several lion experts led by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Dr Sam Nicholson.

The Lion, once widespread in Africa, has suffered significant declines in population and range in recent decades. These declines, more severe for lions compared to other large carnivores, have led to consistent Vulnerable listings in IUCN assessments since 1996. The team of assessors found that the extant Lion range in 2023 is estimated to be only 6% of its historical range, highlighting the severity of the decline. The current population of adult and subadult Lions in Africa is estimated to be between 22,000 and 25,000, with an additional ~670 Lions in India. These figures represent a decline from previous estimates and underscore the urgency of conservation efforts.

Various factors contribute to the decline of Lion populations. Habitat loss, primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation and land conversion, is identified as the most significant threat. Depletion of prey bases, exacerbated by poaching and the bushmeat trade, further exacerbates the problem.

Human-Lion conflict, often resulting in the killing of Lions to protect human life and livestock, adds to the pressure on populations. Additionally, the trade in Lion body parts for traditional medicine poses a growing threat, as does poorly regulated trophy hunting, which can lead to population declines if not managed effectively. The impact of violent extremism in certain Lion ranges in Africa is also a concern, as it further jeopardises conservation efforts. Instances of poaching for Lion body parts, particularly in Mozambique, highlight the need for increased vigilance and enforcement measures to combat illegal trade.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to mitigate threats and conserve Lion populations. Reintroduction programs in certain areas have shown promise (e.g. Zembeze Delta in Mozambique, Akagera National Park in Rwanda), and recommendations for improved management practices in activities such as trophy hunting have been made. However, more comprehensive monitoring and enforcement are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the species.