Heron Red List

The Heron Red List (Version 2024-2) is shown below.

This authority for the global classification of the conservation status of species is the IUCN. It is published periodically as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. BirdLife International is the listing authority for birds. HeronConservation partners with BirdLife International on its periodic assessments for herons. The Heron Red List is the same as the IUCN list. Like all species, herons may be classified the following categories, LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered, CR = Critically Endangered, EW = Extinct in the Wild, and EX =Extinct. More information on the meaning of these categories may be found in the IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria document.

The IUCN process is conducted at the species level, whereas HeronConservation does its assessments at a population level. So for some species the classification of a species may differ from that of one or more of its populations. For information on the listing assessment process, please see the IUCN Website.

The IUCN Assessment in some cases identifies species, uses a listing order, and uses scientific and English names that are at times deviant from those used by HeronConservation. There are a number of reasons for these differences, mainly that HeronConservation, being concerned only with one group of species can tracks and implement changes within its group more readily, whereas IUCN needs to maintain a more conservative approach to such changes across its periodic assessments and needs to maintain a common global process. As there is not a problem in identifying which species is being referred to, HeronConservation has chosen to retain the IUCN order and names to maintain its consistency with the Global Red List.

HeronConservation will continue to partner with BirdLife in its evaluation of the status of heron species. You are welcome to participate in this process by communicating your data and information to the HeronConservation Co-chairs or Steering Committee Members.