Recent experience of Bioregio Carpathians project IUCN categorization of species occuring in the Carpathian region of Hungary

Abstract

In conservation biology increasingly more countries are using the IUCN categorization (IUCN category and criteria) to describe species occurrence and population dynamics. Although, the evaluation process of the categories is strict, the category and criteria might change, due to different spatial levels (continent, country, region), which often provide basis for considerable debates, like in the BioRegio Carpathians SEE. The basic aim of the program is to manage and conserve protected areas and natural resources in the Carpathian region, therefore increase the attractiveness of the area. Our aim with this study is to demonstrate the difficulties of the assessment and to draw attention to potential pitfalls. We have evaluated IUCN categories for 46 fish, 13 mammal and four bird species. Based on our result we can state that we usually do not even have enough verified data to evaluate the exact IUCN categories for more studied and well known taxa like mammals or birds. Primary reason for this is the lack for sufficient data (area, population size, population decrease/increase) that is needed for an accurate evaluation.