1988 IUCN red list of threatened animals

Abstract

acitivities.In this way, future Red Lists may become increasingly precise and compelling as they succinctly signal the condition of the world's heritage of species.Meanwhile, we must take up the cause of whole groups of species whose existence is suddenly imperilled -amphibians and sharks are immediate examples, with very different causational factors implicated.Another approach to priorities in the conservation of biodiversity is identifying places rich in species and concentrating action on preservation and protection of these areas, labelled "hot spots" by Norman Myers.Recently, Russell Mittermeier has extended this idea to the political geography of the world and identified megadiversity countries that deserve focussed conservation attention.A suggested Green List of species important ecologically, evolutionarily, or economically may be another worthwhile venture.Such initiatives as well as the Red List are all valuable in reinforcing the message that people and their governments must act now if we are to conserve the world's natural heritage.In closing, it is appropriate to acknowledge the extraordinary effort made by Jane Thornback in compiling this and previous Red Lists.It is also fitting to note that such labour and the expenses of producing the Red List, the Red Data Books, the SSC Action Plans, and related publications will be in vain unless conservationists of all kinds work to see that there are indeed adequate responses to the warnings of irrevocable losses of species that these publications provide.May this book's readers so commit themselves for the benefit of future generations.George B. Rabb Chairman, Species Survival Commission IUCN, The World Conservation Union Michaelis, F.B. (1985).Threatened fish.A Report on the threatened fish of inland waters in Australia.