AS WE SEE IT:Harmonization of Red Lists in Europe: some lessons learned in the Netherlands when applying the new IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 3.1.

Abstract

This paper discusses the desirability of the harmonization of Red Lists for both regional and national red listing by using the new IUCN Categories and Criteria (CC a marked exception is that for birds (34%). The application of the new IUCN C&C version 3.1. for the Dutch national Red Lists results in a substantial variation in outcome when compared with Red Lists based on the ‘Dutch’ criteria. This variation is particularly due to the A and D criteria of IUCN, especially when applied to fairly small countries. The Dutch government has therefore decided to continue using the ‘Dutch’ Red Lists for national policy purposes, but to use the IUCN-criteria based Red lists for international (European) comparison only. A link between the Birds and Habitats Directives and regional IUCN Red Lists for Europe would also be desirable.