Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. It is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity and a powerful tool to inform and catalyse policy change. The list provides information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, threats, and conservation actions. Hoffman currently heads up the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) global conservation programmes and was previously chair of the 25-member IUCN Red List Committee. Bohm is a researcher in the Species Indicators and Assessments Unit at ZSL. Emily Beech is a Conservation Officer at Botanic Gardens Conservation International.