Question

According to IUCN ‘Red list’, what is the status of red panda (Ailurus fulgens)?
A. Vulnerable species
B. Critically endangered species
C. Extinct species
D. Endangered species

Answer 1

Hint:The International Union for Conservation of Nature is abbreviated as IUCN. It is an international organization that works in the field of conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources.

Step by step answer:The IUCN was founded about 72 years ago, on 5 October 1948 in Fontainebleau, France. This international union involves the gathering of data that helps in research, analysis, field projects, advocacy, and education. The main motive of IUCN is to encourage, influence, and assist people around the world to conserve nature and also to ensure the use of natural resources in a controlled way and to ensure its sustainability.
According to reports, there are about 1400 governmental and non-governmental organizations that are members of IUCN. About 16000 scientists and experts take part in the work of IUCN commissions on a voluntary basis. Approximately, 1000 full-time staff are employed in more than 50 countries. Also, its headquarters are situated in Gland, Switzerland.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species was found in 1964. It was the world’s most comprehensive inventory of global conservation of biological species. It uses a set of criteria to evaluate the risk of extinction of a thousand species and subspecies. Due to its strong scientific base, the IUCN Red List is recognized as the most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity. A Regional Red List is produced by each country or organization which assesses the risk of extinction to species.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) comes under the endangered species category. Endangered species are the species that are on the verge of becoming extinct. Deforestation and poaching are the main reasons due to which this species is getting extinct.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D, endangered species.

Note: IUCN runs field projects for species and habitat conservation. It gives an IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is applicable at local, national, regional, and global levels. IUCN’s goal is to expand the global network of National parks and other protected areas and promote good management of such areas. Also, it focuses on the greater protection of oceans and marine habitats.