What is RED DATA BOOK

A Red Data Book contains lists of species whose continued existence is threatened. Species are classified into different categories of perceived risk. Each Red Data Book usually deals with a specific group of animals or plants (e. reptiles, insects, mosses). They are now being published in many different countries and provide useful information on the threat status of the species.

The red-listing assessment is a simple logical process to determine the status of threat to a species based on available information. In 2004 a training workshop was conducted in Lao PDR on redlisting assessment methodologies.

The MWBP red-listing process will be conducted on selected species groups in addition to the flagship species. Of the four Flagship Species of the MWBP, three have been categorized as Critically Endangered (Cr).

One of the key outputs of this process is production of a Regional Red Data Book for the Lower Mekong Basin in five languages.

The process:
1. Determine through a consultative process which groups of wetland species to carry out red listing process
2. Carry out initial red-listing process for flagship and associated species, as part of action planning process
3. Organise a training workshop on the Red-listing process
4. National expert groups trained government counterparts collect information on species selected, and carry out process at national level
5. Regional expert groups meet to collate the data and go through red listing process
6. Send results to Species Survival Commission for ratification