The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of 1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. 2. Threatened plant and animal species. 3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

The IUCN Red Data Book, first issued in 1966, is a comprehensive inventory specifically designed to list and provide information on the status of threatened plant and animal species globally [2]. It serves as a guide for the preservation and management of species facing extinction risk [2]. While the IUCN identifies biodiversity hotspots and maintains a 'Green List' for protected areas, these are distinct from the Red Data Book's primary function [5]. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Red Data Book focuses on global extinction risk rather than just endemic species in hotspots. Statement 3 is incorrect as protected sites are managed through other tools like the World Database of Protected Areas or the Green List [6]. Therefore, only statement 2, regarding threatened species, is accurate [3].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > red data Book. > p. 11
2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 8: Biodiversity > 8.2. T}IE RED DATA BOOK > p. 147
3. [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY > p. 118
4. [5] https://iucn.org/resources/conservation-tool/iucn-green-list-protected-and-conserved-areas
5. [6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4290417/
6. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 14: Biodiversity and Conservation > Endangered Species > p. 117