Catalyzing Red List Assessments of Underrepresented Taxa through Partner Networks and Student Engagement

Global biodiversity decline is continuing largely unabated. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Threatened Species (hereafter, List) provides us with the gold standard assessments, but taxonomic coverage, especially invertebrates and fungi, remains very low. Many players contribute to knowledge base, IUCN partners, IUCN-led assessment projects, Specialist Groups Authorities (RLA) Survival Commission. However, it vital that we develop next generation contributors bring in new, diverse voices build capacity sustain huge effort required fill data gaps. Here, discuss a recently established partner network additional species by linking academia directly into processes run RLAs. We aim increase “literacy” amongst potential future conservationists help students publication output, form professional networks, writing research skills. Professors can learning their teaching offer Listing opportunities as assignments or projects List. presented approach, underrepresented groups, challenges remain.