Discover biodiversity - every day
06 January 2010 | News story
To increase awareness of the enormous variety of life on our planet, and raise the profile of threatened species, we have launched the IUCN Red List ‘Species of the Day’.
Biodiversity is the backbone of all life on earth, and its conservation lies at the very core of IUCN’s work. ‘Species of the Day’ has been launched as part of IUCN’s involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity.
With mounting scientific evidence of a serious extinction crisis, it’s time to take action. “The latest analysis of the IUCN Red List shows the 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss will not be met,” says Jane Smart, Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group. “It’s time for governments to get serious about saving species and make sure it’s high on their agendas for next year, as we’re rapidly running out of time.”
Each day of 2010 will see a different species featured on the IUCN website, with information on the threats it faces. The 365 species selected represent the entire range of taxonomic groups and cover all regions. We have started by featuring some better known species, including the Polar Bear and will move on to cover plants, fungi, invertebrates and more. Both charismatic and obscure species will be featured, providing an insight into the astonishing level of biodiversity that exists.
Partnership in action
This project is a joint project of the IUCN Species Programme and the Species Survival Commission (SSC). It has been made possible through the support of UNEP and ARKive.
If you are interested in featuring Species of the Day on your website, please contact Kathryn Pintus firstname.lastname@example.org or Rachel Roberts email@example.com for further information on how to display the Species of the Day link button.