IUCN Red List Update: Status of Indian Bird Species
Context:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently updated its Red List of Threatened Species.
It included a reassessment of 1,360 bird species worldwide.
This update has brought significant attention to the state of India's Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)
Summary of the Update for Indian Birds
In the latest assessment, 12 Indian bird species were reassessed.
The results were mixed:
Uplisted Species (Increased Threat Level):
Four species were 'uplisted'
This indicates increased concern regarding their population trends and conservation status
Downlisted Species (Reduced Threat Level):
Eight species were 'downlisted'.
This indicates positive trends in their conservation status
Uplisted Species
All four uplisted species are dependent on Open Natural Ecosystems include grasslands, semi-arid landscapes, deserts, croplands, and fallow lands).
These ecosystems are under pressure from agricultural intensification, power infrastructure expansion, invasive species, and afforestation projects.
Species
Previous Status
New Status
Indian Courser
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Indian Roller
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Rufous-tailed Lark
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Long-billed Grasshopper-warbler
Not Specified
Endangered
About the IUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories.
The Red list is updated at least twice each year.
Red list forms basis for inclusion of species in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES Appendices.