IUCN’s red list of threatened species: its importance in the conservation of mammals in Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyzed representatives of the class Mammalia on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of threatened species and evaluated whether the Protected Areas have fulfilled their function of protecting habitats. In the literature review, Protected Areas were found to be part of programs for the protection and recovery of threatened species. However, these areas continue to be insufficient due to the increasing destruction caused by humans, mainly the degradation of habitats upon which these organisms depend. By reviewing twelve IUCN lists containing mammals (from 1964 to 2018), the number of threatened species on each list were found to be increasing, reflecting greater knowledge of mammal species. In Brazil, eight lists were reviewed. Notably, one list contained species that were not included in the subsequent list, which may imply that protections implemented for the conservation of these animals had an effect in mitigating their extinction, and the creation of Protected Areas are chief among the conservation measures that resulted in such successes.