Photo: Felix Cybulla
We’re thrilled to unveil Version 4.0 of the Unified Threats Classification—a vital tool for effective conservation! Since 2008, the IUCN Species Survival Commission and Conservation Measures Partnership have collaborated to provide a shared language for identifying and addressing threats to ecosystems and species.
Now, thanks to input from thousands of projects and users worldwide, Version 4.0 is here! This update brings:
✅ Refined categories
✅ New threat types
✅ Detailed modifiers for deeper analysis
With these advancements, conservation practitioners can tackle challenges like climate change, invasive species, and human impacts with greater precision—driving more impactful conservation efforts globally.
Where is Version 3.0?
The threat classification system, initially developed in the early 2000s, was first released as Version 1.0 by IUCN and CMP in 2007, with minor updates in Version 1.1. Recognized as an international standard, updates have been carefully timed to balance stability with the integration of new knowledge.
In 2013, CMP released Version 2.0, which was reviewed but not formally adopted by the IUCN Red List. The IUCN independently updated their classification to Version 3.3 by 2022.
Starting in 2022, IUCN and CMP collaborated on a joint task force to unify and enhance the classification, culminating in Version 4.0. This latest version consolidates improvements and aligns previous iterations, with earlier versions remaining valid for use. Detailed “track changes” show edits from CMP Version 2.0.
