IUCN Red List of Ecosystems facts for kids

The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) is like a report card for nature's homes, called ecosystems. It helps us keep track of how healthy they are around the world. Its main goal is to help protect these natural places and make sure we use their resources wisely. The plan is to check on all ecosystems by the year 2025.

The change in the sea of Aral from 1989 to 2003. It is an example of a Collapsed (CO) ecosystem. (Source of the image: NASA)

The RLE was created by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This same group also made the Red List of Threatened Species. That list keeps track of how many animals and plants are in danger of disappearing forever. The Red List of Ecosystems does the same thing, but for entire ecosystems.

What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of living things, like plants and animals, that interact with each other and their non-living surroundings. This includes things like soil, water, and air. Think of a forest, a desert, or even a small pond. Each is an ecosystem.

Why Do We Need the Red List of Ecosystems?

Tracking Nature's Health

The Red List of Ecosystems helps us understand if an ecosystem is healthy or if it's in trouble. It's like a doctor checking a patient's health. This helps scientists and governments know which areas need urgent help.

Protecting Our Planet

By knowing which ecosystems are at risk, we can work to protect them. Healthy ecosystems provide us with many important things. These include clean air, clean water, and food. They also help control the climate and prevent natural disasters.

How Ecosystems Are Rated

The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems uses different categories to show how much danger an ecosystem is in. These categories are similar to the ones used for animal and plant species.

Collapsed (CO)

This means the ecosystem has completely disappeared or is no longer working. It's like a house that has fallen down. The Aral Sea is a sad example of a collapsed ecosystem.

Critically Endangered (CR)

An ecosystem in this category faces an extremely high risk of collapsing very soon. It's in big trouble and needs immediate help. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is considered Critically Endangered.

Endangered (EN)

These ecosystems are at a very high risk of collapsing in the near future. They are in serious danger. The tidal flats of the Yellow Sea are an example of an Endangered ecosystem.

Vulnerable (VU)

Ecosystems in this group face a high risk of collapsing in the future. They are not in immediate danger but could be if things don't change. European Reed beds are considered Vulnerable.

Near Threatened (NT)

These ecosystems are close to qualifying for a threatened category (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). They need to be watched carefully.

Least Concern (LC)

This category means the ecosystem is doing well and is not currently at risk of collapsing. Tepui shrublands are considered Least Concern.

Data Deficient (DD)

Sometimes, there isn't enough information to decide how much risk an ecosystem faces. In these cases, it's called Data Deficient. The Costa Rican Páramo is an example of this. More studies are needed to understand its health.

Images for kids

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  LRE - Knowledge product of IUCN/CEM

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  Image of the Aral sea in 1989 (left) and 2014. The Aral sea is an example of a Collapsed (CO) ecosystem. (image source: NASA)

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  Schematic of categories to classify ecosystems according to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems criteria

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  The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is considered Critically Endangered (CR).

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  The tidal flats of the Yellow Sea are considered Endangered (EN).

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  European Reed beds are considered Vulnerable (VU).

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  Tepui shrublands are considered Least Concern (LC).

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  The Costa Rican Páramo have been evaluated as Data Deficient and are pending further studies to assess their risk of collapse.

See also

In Spanish: Lista Roja de Ecosistemas de la UICN para niños