These Countries Are Cheating

The video discusses the discrepancy between the official number of extinct species and the actual number, highlighting the challenges in tracking and identifying extinct species. It explains that many species are missing but not officially declared extinct due to the IUCN's strict criteria. The video also presents cases where species presumed extinct were later found alive, emphasizing the complexity of declaring extinction. The conclusion suggests that keeping species in extinction limbo may be necessary to ensure their protection.

What is the main reason the IUCN's official count of extinct species is lower than the actual number?

• The IUCN has unlimited resources to track all species.

• The IUCN includes all known species in their count.

• The IUCN only tracks species that have gone extinct since 1500.

• The IUCN counts extinct species from prehistoric times.

Why are some species considered 'missing' rather than extinct?

• They have been seen recently.

• They are protected by environmental laws.

• They are not endangered.

• They haven't been spotted for a long time but could still exist.

Which of the following is an example of a species rediscovered after being presumed extinct?

• Tasmanian tiger

• Passenger pigeon

• Seychelles giant tortoise

• Dodo bird

What is a potential risk of declaring a species extinct too early?

• It increases the species' population.

• It ensures the species is protected.

• It might end environmental protections keeping the species alive.

• It could lead to increased sightings.

Why does the IUCN keep some species in 'extinction limbo'?

• To increase the number of extinct species.

• To ensure they are not prematurely declared extinct and lose protection.

• To reduce the number of endangered species.

• To make it easier to track all species.