The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of

1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Explanation

Only statement 2 is correct

• IUCN is an international NGO working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland.
• IUCN is involved in research, field projects, advocacy, lobbying and education. The organization is best known for compiling and publishing the IUCN Red List, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
• IUCN Red List or Red Data List or Red Book:
  • The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, founded in 1964, is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. When discussing the IUCN Red List, the official term “threatened” is a grouping of three categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable.
  • The pink pages in this publication include the critically endangered species. Green pages are used for those species that were formerly endangered but have now recovered to a point where they are no longer threatened. With time, the number of pink pages continue to increase.

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Easy