Why in news?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Red List Roadmap in early October 2025. The initiative aims to compile comprehensive assessments of the threat status of India’s flora and fauna, aligning with global conservation standards.
Rationale behind a national red list
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorises species worldwide based on extinction risk. However, many Indian species are under‑represented due to lack of data. A national red list can fill this gap by assessing species at finer spatial scales and by involving local experts. Accurate threat assessments are critical for prioritising conservation action and for meeting commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Plan and process
- Data compilation: Scientists will gather information from herbaria, zoological surveys, research papers and citizen science platforms.
- Assessment methodology: The roadmap adapts IUCN criteria to Indian contexts, considering factors such as population trends, habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Stakeholder engagement: Workshops will bring together botanists, zoologists, Indigenous communities and policy makers to validate assessments.
- Updating schedules: The red list will be updated every five years, reflecting new discoveries and conservation outcomes.
- Integration with policy: Red list categories will inform forest management plans, eco‑sensitive zone declarations and wildlife crime prevention.
Expected benefits
A national red list will highlight species on the brink of extinction and guide funding for recovery programmes. It can spur public awareness and encourage citizens to participate in biodiversity monitoring. By identifying hotspots of threat, the roadmap helps allocate resources more efficiently. Ultimately, this initiative complements the global red list and positions India as a leader in conservation science.