The IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is well known for its "Red List" of Threatened Species, which has become like a "barometer of life". In 2011 there were over 61,000 species on the Red List and all mammals, birds, amphibians, sharks, reef-buliding corals, cycads and conifers have been assessed. Recently, the IUCN has also announced criteria for a new "Red List" of Ecosystems. When the list is complete - 2025 is the target date - we will be able to say whether an ecosystem is not facing imminent risk of collapse, or whether it is vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. This will be measured by assessing losses in area, degradation or other major changes such as conversion.
The criteria have been designed based on 20 case studies, which they believe can help them assess the health of all of Earth's varied ecosystems, from spring-fed limestone caves to sparkling coral reefs. For example, the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is a freshwater ecosystem, which has already collapsed, while the Cape Sand Flats in South Africa are a terrestrial ecosystem that are critically endangered. The Tapia forest of Madagascar and the Coolibah-Black Box woodland in Australia are both endangered, while the Great Lakes Alvars of United States and Canada are vulnerable/endangered. Europe's fresh-water reed beds are vulnerable, while the Tepui shrubland of Venezuela are classified as least concern.
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