Today’s extinction rates are sky-high. But scientists debate if that’s sufficient evidence to conclude that Earth is undergoing a mass extinction event—or whether that’s even a helpful designation.

Extinction is a natural part of life on Earth. But occasionally, extinction rates have surged far beyond usual levels, driving mass extinction events that have reshaped the trajectory of life.

The study estimates that one-fifth of reptile species worldwide are at risk of extinction.

His career was dedicated to understanding and protecting frog populations.

Mace led the work to determine the criteria for the IUCN’s Red List.

Data on vertebrate species that have become, or are likely to become, extinct reveal plant eaters are most under threat.

Experts warn that an explosion of hooded vulture deaths in Guinea-Bissau could push the critically endangered species to the brink of extinction.

The status of the mountain gorilla is now endangered, an upgrade from critically endangered. Other species are becoming more threatened.

Numbers of the wildcat, greater mouse-eared bat, and black rat have critically fallen in the U.K.  

The latest IUCN Red List update also reveals substantial declines in antelopes and other species, but some level of recovery in populations of snow leopards.

The iconic mammals have been declining in number for decades and could face extinction if conservation measures are not enacted.

A new assessment highlights an increased extinction risk among some of the continent’s vulture species.

A global assessment of declining cacti populations places responsibility on increasing human activities.