Help and FAQ
Our help pages contain answers to a variety of Frequently Asked Questions, as well as explanations and definitions of our National Red List database and search fields and a glossary of some of the commonly used terms throughout the website. Do use these pages as a first port of call for anything you have queries about, but if you can’t find the answer don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at NationalRedList@zsl.org. or info@nationalredlist.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
My country is not shaded on the map - why not?
This version of the National Red List Database currently features a limited subset, from the extensive original dataset that spans multiple countries and regions whilst we open out the data contributing processes to national red list focal points. This is a work in progress and we will have fewer data online whilst working toward the establishment of a framework that enables national entities to curate and upload their datasets with more autonomy. Trials with national entities and partners are underway to finalise the implementation of a national data uploader.
If you're aware that your country has a Red List (or multiple Red Lists) not yet shaded on our map, it's because the relevant data haven't been processed into the National Red List Database yet. We invite your collaboration in this effort. If you qualify as a data provider and are willing to help with sharing these data, please see the Contributing Your Data page. Your contributions will be highly appreciated, and the map will automatically update to reflect the added information. Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive and up-to-date resource!
I have National Red List data - How do I qualify as a data provider?
We can only accept data from the owners of the data. This could be a Red List Authority, an author on the publication, a governmental representative or National Focal Point with permissions from the source. Our priority for support is official national red list assessments. Please see the Data Agreement clause on the Contributing Your Data page.
I am working on a Red List across several countries, is this included?
Absolutely. We refer to National Red Lists a lot, but we include Red Lists at any regional scale smaller than global, from several countries to a key area in one country or even cross-border, such as a specific habitat.
I’m uploading some data, but I have more fields than are included in your template. Can I include them?
The data uploader will flag extra fields and prevent them being uploaded. However, we are always working to improve the functioning of the database. If you have additional fields that you believe are relevant, please contact us and whilst we may not be able to upload them currently, they can be included should we launch additional features for the database.
How do I download species assessment data and where can I find explanations of the field names?
We have a data downloader function to allow users to access and download information from the assessment search and publication search tools on the homepage. We regret, whilst we prioritise limited resources on finalising the national data uploader function, we are not able to respond to individual data requests. Thank you for your patience.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of Use for guidance on the usage and correct accreditation of the data. Information on the field lists and definitions of database fields are available within the resources on the Contributing Your Data page.
What are the working languages of the project?
The current host of the database are a UK based conservation charity ZSL and so our working language is English but we are keen to expand on the languages and accessibility of the website. The database and website are governed by the multi-lingual and multi-national National Red List Working Group and we hope to include more translation options as time goes on. We can provide links to National Red Lists in all the languages they are published in.
How often is the database updated?
This version of the website is still undergoing tests and checks, so there will not be a defined update schedule to follow. The current version of the dataset is 2022 version 1.0. As the national red list focal points and data owners are able to submit their data through an uploader form, the data will populate as an when it is processed by national focal points.
How my data will be cited and be credited?
Your individual assessments or publications should be cited as per the original attribution you provided in the "rrl citation" field. There is an option to include individual assessors and contributors per assessment as well as the source citation.
For broad use of the website and data, the preferred citation format is as follows: “ZSL and IUCN National Red List Working Group. YEAR . National Red List Database. Version 2022-1. https://www.nationalredlist.org. Accessed on [day month year].”
Please see the
for full details the onward usage of the data hosted on the NRLD.