Resources

• Categories and Criteria
• Classification Schemes
  • Habitats Classification Scheme (Version 3.0)
  • Threats Classification Scheme (Version 3.0)
  • Conservation Actions Classification Scheme (Version 2.0)
  • Research Needed Classification Scheme (Version 2.0)
• Data Organization
• Spatial Data Download
• Information Sources and Quality
• Assessment Process
• Red List Training
• References
• Acknowledgements
•  

Classification Schemes

In order to ensure global uniformity when describing the habitat in which a taxon occurs, the threats to a taxon, what conservation measures are in place or are needed, and whether or not the taxon is utilized, a set of standard terms (called Classification Schemes; formerly referred to as Authority Files) have been developed for documenting taxa on the IUCN Red List. These Classification Schemes are still being developed and tested and not all of them have been implemented in this version of the IUCN Red List.

The Classification Schemes for Threats and Conservation Actions recently underwent a major review as part of a joint initiative between the IUCN Red List Partnership and The Conservation Measures Partnership, and are now in use (for further details about the schemes, see www.conservationmeasures.org/initiatives/threats-actions-taxonomies).

The three Classification Schemes used in this version of the Red List are:

• The major_habitats a species occurs in;
• The major_threats to a species (past, ongoing and future); and
• The conservation actions needed for a species.

For definitions of the Threats and Conservation Actions Classification Schemes, please read the Conservation Biology 2008 article: A Standard Lexicon for Biodiversity Conservation: Unified Classifications of Threats and Actions