Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2015

Last exams 2025

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Determining Conservation Status (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)) : Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Determining Conservation Status

  • International cooperation is essential if conservation is to be successful

  • There are several agreements and authorities that exist within and between countries with the aim of protecting and conserving species worldwide

IUCN

  • The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it

  • One of the duties that the IUCN carries out is assessing the conservation status of animal and plant species around the world

    • Scientists use data and modelling to estimate the category each species should be in

  • Factors used to determine the conservation status of a population include:

    • Population size (smaller populations are usually at a greater risk of extinction)

    • Degree of specialisation

    • Distribution

    • Reproductive potential and behaviour

    • Geographic range

    • Degree of endemicity (i.e. if the species is only found in a single specific area)

    • Degree of habitat fragmentation

    • Quality of habitat

    • Trophic level (animals in higher trophic levels are usually at a greater risk of extinction)

    • Probability of extinction

  • The IUCN has their own classification system

    • There are several different categories and levels that a species can fall into depending on its population numbers and the threats and risks to those populations

  • Animals that are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ can be seen online as this list is made public

IUCN Classification

The IUCN classification system of species - scientists are continually updating and reviewing the conservation status of species

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies Content Creator

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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