18.3.617-18 · Selection, Evolution, Classification and Conservation
Role of IUCN in Conservation — Cambridge AS & A Level Biology 9700 Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 10 parts Lesson 36 of 36 Unit quiz
Lesson summary
18.3.6 Role of IUCN in Conservation — CAMBRIDGE AS & A LEVEL BIOLOGY 9700 — REVISION NOTES notes: Describe the roles of the IUCN and CITES in conserving species.International cooperation is essential for successful conservation.Agreements and authorities within and between countr…
- IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
- Other activities
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna)
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- Ramsar Convention
- Appendix I
Section 1 of 10International cooperation
International cooperation
International cooperation is essential for successful conservation.
Agreements and authorities within and between countries aim to protect species worldwide.
Species cross borders and trade is global, so no single country can protect them alone.
Section 2 of 10The IUCN
1IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)
- IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) the global authority on the status of the natural world and measures needed to safeguard it.
- It is a global organisation of governments and non-governmental organisations with thousands of experts.
- It does not own land or enforce law, but its assessments guide national and international decisions.
2Other activities
- Other activities advising governments, supporting protected areas, research, education and networks, and shaping agreements such as CITES.
Section 3 of 10IUCN conservation status and the Red List
1
The IUCN assesses the conservation status of animal and plant species worldwide.
2
Species are placed in categories according to population numbers and the threats and risks they face.
3
Scientists use data and modelling to decide the category, and status is continually reviewed.
4
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is public and available online.
5
Governments use it to prioritise species and areas for limited funds and to monitor progress.
6
Limitation: many species (invertebrates, fungi, deep-sea organisms) are not assessed and assessments can lag behind the wild.
Section 4 of 10Red List categories
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Extinct (EX) | No individuals remain |
| Extinct in the Wild (EW) | Survives only in captivity or cultivation |
| Critically Endangered (CR) | Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild |
| Endangered (EN) | Very high risk of extinction |
| Vulnerable (VU) | High risk of extinction |
| Near Threatened (NT) | Close to qualifying as threatened |
| Least Concern (LC) | Widespread and abundant |
| Data Deficient (DD) | Insufficient information to assess |
Section 5 of 10CITES
CITES
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna)
- a global agreement signed by over 150 countries.
Its aim is to control the trade of endangered species and their products, e.g. elephants and ivory tusks.
Species are placed in three appendices that are continually reviewed.
Section 6 of 10CITES appendices and regulations
| Appendix | Species | Trade rule |
|---|---|---|
| I | Endangered, greatest risk of extinction (e.g. red panda) | All trade in the species and products is banned |
| II | Not now endangered but will be unless trade is closely controlled (e.g. Venus fly trap) | Trade only with an export permit from the countries involved |
| III | Listed at the request of one country regulating trade to prevent overexploitation (e.g. two-toed sloth in Costa Rica) | Permits are required but are easier to obtain |
Section 7 of 10Other agreements and concerns
Other agreements and concerns
Convention on Biological Diversity
- Convention on Biological Diversity commits countries to conserve biodiversity, use it sustainably and share the benefits of genetic resources fairly.
Ramsar Convention
- Ramsar Convention protects wetlands of international importance.
Fishing quotas and whaling regulation.
Concern about CITES: making trade illegal raises the price of the species, giving a major incentive to break the law.
Weaknesses of agreements include lack of enforcement, differing national priorities and limited funds.
Section 8 of 10More from the specification
More from the specification
In situ preservation in protected zones
- In situ preservation in protected zones establishing national parks and marine parks shields threatened flora and fauna from commercial poaching.
National park
- Government-protected area with controlled human access.
Marine park
- Protected area of water set up for marine conservation.
Ecosystem
- Community plus environment.
Habitat
- The place where an organism lives.
Embryo
- A little ball of cells that forms from the first cell and develops into a baby.
Competition
- Two organisms needing the same limited resource.
Invasive species
- A species introduced to a habitat where it spreads and causes damage.
Captive breeding
- Breeding endangered species in zoos or reserves.
Climate change
- Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Native species
- A species that naturally lives in an ecosystem.
Seed bank
- Seed bank stored seeds, such as in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, are grown after a time and fresh seeds are stored.
Section 9 of 10Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IUCN | International Union for the Conservation of Nature, assessing the status of species. |
| Red List | Public list of the conservation status of species. |
| CITES | Convention controlling international trade in endangered species. |
| Appendix I | CITES list of species at greatest risk; all trade banned. |
| Appendix II | CITES list of species that need controlled trade to avoid endangerment. |
| Threatened species | Species classed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. |
Section 10 of 10Exam technique
1
Saying the IUCN makes laws — it assesses status and advises, while CITES controls trade.
2
Confusing CITES appendices — Appendix I bans trade, II needs permits, III is listed by one country.
3
Saying the Red List is fixed — status is continually reviewed.
4
Saying a trade ban always protects a species — higher prices can encourage poaching.
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