Question

According to the IUCN Red List, what is the status of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)?
A. Critically endangered species.
B. Vulnerable species.
C. Extinct species.
D. Endangered species.

Answer 1

Hint: The term IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. The red list of the threatened species was established by IUCN in 1964. A specific criterion is used to evaluate the risk of extinction of many species.

Complete answer:
> Option A:
As categorized by the IUCN critically endangered species are the ones which face an extreme risk of extinction due to the wild. The red panda is not a critically endangered species. Thus this option is incorrect.

> Option B:
As categorized by the IUCN vulnerable species are the ones which are likely to get endangered, unless the circumstances which are threatening their survival and their reproduction don’t improve. Thus this option is incorrect.

> Option C:
As categorized by the IUCN extinct species are the ones which are terminated from their existence. Red panda is not an example of an extinct species. Thus this option is incorrect.

> Option D:
As categorized by the IUCN endangered species are the ones which are not extinct till now, but are likely to get extinct in the coming future years. These species are at a great risk due to poaching, invasive species, and habitat loss. Therefore, it can be concluded that Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) comes under endangered species, according to the IUCN. Thus this option is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Red panda is a type of mammalian species which is found in southwestern china and the eastern Himalayas. It is listed endangered by the IUCN because its estimated population is less than 10,000 mature individuals. And their population is declining continuously due to fragmentation, habitat loss, poaching etc.