Lists of IUCN Red List data deficient species facts for kids

On January 29, 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 6,702 species that were "data deficient." This means scientists didn't have enough information to decide if these species were endangered or not.

Out of these, 5,913 were Animalia (animals). This included 1 Annelida (segmented worms), 1,328 Arthropoda (like insects and spiders), 3,814 Chordata (animals with backbones), 149 Cnidaria (like jellyfish), 617 Mollusca (like snails and clams), 3 Nemertina (ribbon worms), and 1 Onychophora (velvet worms).

There were also 780 Plantae (plants) and 9 Protista (tiny living things like amoebas) that were data deficient.

What are Data Deficient Species?

When scientists study animals and plants, they gather lots of information. They look at how many there are, where they live, what they eat, and how they reproduce. This helps them understand if a species is doing well or if it's in trouble.

A "data deficient" species is one where there isn't enough of this important information. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Because of this, it's hard for conservation groups to know how to protect them.

Why Are Some Species Data Deficient?

There are many reasons why a species might be data deficient. Sometimes, they live in places that are hard to reach, like deep oceans or dense rainforests. Other times, they might be very rare, making them difficult to find and study.

It can also be that a species was only recently discovered. Scientists might not have had enough time to collect all the necessary data. Without enough information, it's impossible to know if their numbers are shrinking or growing.

Lists of Data Deficient Species

The IUCN Red List keeps track of species based on their conservation status. Here are some groups that have many data deficient species.

Animals We Need to Learn More About

Many different types of animals are on the data deficient list. Scientists are working hard to learn more about them.

• Amphibians — List of data deficient amphibians
• Birds — List of data deficient birds
• Fish — List of data deficient fishes
• Invertebrates — List of data deficient invertebrates
  • Arthropods — List of data deficient arthropods
    • Insects — List of data deficient insects
  • Molluscs — List of data deficient molluscs
• Mammals — List of data deficient mammals
• Reptiles — List of data deficient reptiles

Plants and Other Life Forms

It's not just animals that need more study. Many plants and other tiny organisms are also data deficient.

• Plants — List of data deficient plants
• Chromista/Protista — List of Chromista by conservation status (9 data deficient species)
• Fungi — List of fungi by conservation status (22 data deficient species)