Calculating population reductions of invertebrate species for IUCN Red List assessments
Population reductions are often used to assess extinction risk of species on the IUCN Red List. The Guidelines for Red List assessments describe specific methods for calculating the amount of reduction for species with strongly fluctuating populations. Recently, an alternative approach that involves expert opinion has been suggested for calculating population reduction in insect species.This paper argues that while populations with high temporal variability do present challenges, the alternative suggestion is unnecessary, and inconsistent with the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Consistent application of standardized methods for calculating population reductions enables robust and objective assessment of extinction risk faced by invertebrate species.
Akçakaya, H.R., Hochkirch, A., Bried, J.T., van Grunsven, R.H.A., Simaika, J.P., De Knijf, G. and Henriques, S. 2021.Calculating population reductions of invertebrate species for IUCN Red List assessments. Journal of Insect Conservation. Early online publication. DOI: 10.1007/s10841-021-00303-0.
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