black sea red data book - Department of Biology

-3rd category. Rare species which are not endangered at the moment, but occur in
such low numbers or in such limited areas that they could become extinct if there
were unfavorable changes in their habitat due to natural or anthropogenic impacts.
-4th category. Species whose biology has been insufficiently studied or whose number
or condition causes concern, but for which the data is insufficient to assign them to
any of above categories.
-5th category. Rehabilitated species which are no longer in danger and whose future
has been secured by protective measures but which are not exploited industrially and
whose numbers need to be constantly controlled.
The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of the
USSR: the sturgeon {Acipenser sturio), the monk seal (Monachus monachus); and the
Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus).
The RDB of Georgia contains status categories, namely:
-1st category. Species which are almost extinct or whose habitats are difficult to
access
-2nd category. Endangered species
-3rd category. Rare species
The following species of Black Sea fauna and flora are included in the RDB of
Georgia:
-the sturgeon Acipenser sturio Linnaeus, 1758;
-the monk seal Monachus monachus Hermann, 1779.
The compilation of a Black Sea RDB necessitates a consistent approach to
classification in all the littoral states. It is suggested that the classification adopted in
1994 by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) be taken as a
basis, namely:
-Extinct (EX) - a taxon is considered extinct when the last individual dies.
-Extinct in the wild (EW) - when a taxon can be saved in cultivation, captivity or
when research cannot locate an individual at the time (daily, seasonally, annually)
which corresponds to the life cycle of the taxon concerned.
-Taxon crucially endangered (CR) - when a taxon is endangered under certain
conditions.
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