Red Data Book : The book in which information about the endangered species of the world whose protection needs to be taken care of, is printed on red pages. It is a catalogue of taxa facing the risk of extinction. The first edition of this book was published on January 1, 1972. The uses of the red data Book are :
(a) Developing awareness about the importance of threatened biodiversity.
(b) Identification and documentation of endangered species.
(c) Providing a global index of the decline of biodiversity.
(d) Defining conservation priorities at the local level and guiding conservation action.
According to the red data book in India, 44 plant species are critically endangered, 113 endangered and and 87 vulnerable, amongst animal, 18 are critically endangered, 54 endangered and 143 vulnerable.