Ever heard of the Red List? It’s nature’s report card, and over 42,000 species are at risk of extinction. But the IUCN isn’t just sounding the alarm, they’re driving real comebacks for species like the Bald Eagle, Panda, and Tiger. How? Science, teamwork, and tireless conservation. Watch to see how they’re helping wildlife thrive, not just survive.
Special thanks to Vasavi Prakash for developing the script!
Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video.
ID: Scott Keller is wearing a black shirt standing in front of a grey background. Visuals appear: 0:18: IUCN logo, 0:30: Red List logo. 0:36: Circle showing what an ecosystem is. 0:48: photo of a diver underwater. 0:51: four people smiling together with logo backdrop, 0:54: six panelists on stage. 1:30: a white background with red arrow going right “increasing risk of extinction” and nine circles lined across, which include not evaluated, data deficient, least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, and extinct. 2:20 shows a white background with five criteria listed from A to E: population reduction, restricted geographic range, small population size & decline, very small or restricted population, and extinction probability analysis. Arrow goes right with nuerical thresholds. Three lists under “threatened categories” are critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), and vulnerable (VU). 2:45: green list logo. 3:36: bald eagle, 4:11: wild tiger, 4:34: panda, 4:55: mountain gorilla, 5:09: blue iguana.
Transcript: Have you ever heard of the Red List of Threatened Species? This is a sort of survival report card for plants and animals facing extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), born in 1948 is the oldest global environmental organization that creates this report card. What does the IUCN do? Think of them as the cheerleaders and coordinators for saving our planet’s precious ecosystems. They are actively involved in environmental research, lobbying for conservation laws, and helping countries put those laws into action. Every four years, they evaluate the Red List. How does the Red List work? Imagine it as a lifeline for endangered species. Scientists from all over the world use a set of criteria to assess how much trouble a species is in. Are their numbers dwindling? Is their habitat disappearing? Are they being hunted illegally? Are there invasive species in their ecosystem? How is the climate affecting their home? Are human activities causing them to die? Based on these factors, species get classified into nine different categories, ranging from “Extinct” to “Least Concern.” Shockingly, around 28% of all species assessed are on the brink of disappearing – that’s a whopping 42,100 species! But the IUCN doesn’t stop there. They also keep tabs on success stories, like the “Green List.” This is where they give a pat on the back to species that are making a comeback or showing signs of recovery. Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez, the head honcho of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, talks about a shift in mindset. It’s not just about keeping species alive; it’s about helping them thrive in their natural habitats. Over the past few decades, dedicated efforts have saved many species from the brink of extinction. Let’s take a look at some inspiring success stories:
Bald Eagle: Once on the brink of extinction due to factors like dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) poisoning and habitat loss, the bald eagle made a remarkable comeback thanks to a ban on DDT, protective laws, and breeding programs. In 2007, it was officially declared fully recovered.
Wild Tiger: With their numbers plummeting due to habitat destruction and poaching, tiger populations were given a fighting chance when countries pledged to double their numbers by 2022. Thanks to conservation efforts, tiger populations are on the rise again, marking a significant success in international cooperation.
Panda: These adorable giants were in dire straits in the 1970s, with only about 1,000 left. But with collaborative efforts between China and organizations like the WWF, their numbers have climbed, showing significant progress in panda conservation.
Mountain Gorilla: Once thought to be on the brink of extinction, mountain gorillas have seen a remarkable recovery, thanks to conservation efforts in East Africa. Their numbers have doubled over the past few decades, signaling a hopeful future for these majestic creatures.
Blue Iguana: Facing threats like urbanization and habitat loss, the blue iguana was critically endangered. However, thanks to focused conservation efforts, their population has rebounded, showing that it’s possible to save species from the brink.
So, next time you hear about a species making a comeback or a forest getting protected, chances are the IUCN is behind the scenes, making it happen. They’re the unsung heroes of our planet, working tirelessly to ensure a brighter future for all of us.
