What is the Red Data Book?
The Red Data Book is a public document that records all rare and endangered species of plants, animals, and fungi existing within the boundary of the state or territory. The Red Data Book, also referred to as the Red List also documents some local subspecies of animals, plants, and fungi in the particular region, prone to extinction. In simple terms, it is a catalogue of species facing the risk of extinction.
The International Union and Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) maintains the Red Data Book. The IUCN was founded in 1965 with an aim to conserve nature and promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources. The IUCN is now called World Conservation Union (WCU), and its headquarters are located at Morges, Switzerland.
The book aims to help researchers in designing efficient measures to protect and secure endangered species. In addition, the Red Data Book gives essential information for monitoring programmes on the habitats of all endangered and rare species.
History of the Red Data Book
The first-ever Red Data Book was developed by Russian biologists and was based on extensive research carried out from 1961 to 1964. This book contained the list of all endangered species of plants, animals, and fungi existing within the Russian Territorial Jurisdiction. Hence, it was called the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (RDBRF).
Since its establishment in 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red Data Book. It has a complete record of every species on the planet. The Red Data Book is considered one of the most definitive sources with respect to the present status of biodiversity across the globe. Besides the IUCN, individual countries and states maintain national and regional red data books. These national and regional red data books provide information about the complete list of threatened species existing within their regional boundaries.
According to the IUCN (1966), the aim and objectives of the Red Data Book are:
The Red Data Book consists of colour-coded information sheets where each colour represents a specific meaning.
Red Data Book of India
The Red Data Book of India consists of information about all species and subspecies that are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. All the information furnished in this book is taken from studies carried out by the Zoological Survey of India and the Botanical Survey of India. According to the Red Data Book of India, the following categories of critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable species have been identified.
Endangered Species:
Vulnerable:
Advantages of the Red Data Book
Advantages of the Red Data Book