National Biodiversity Authority Releases SOP for Identification of Threatened Species

To strengthen biodiversity conservation in India, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the scientific identification and notification of 'Threatened Species' under Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The SOP establishes a uniform, transparent, and science-based framework for identifying species that require urgent conservation measures.

Key Features of the SOP

¨     Provides a scientific and standardized methodology for identifying threatened species.

¨     Identification will be based on scientific evidence, field surveys, population assessments, and expert evaluation.

¨     Involves State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), research institutions, and local communities.

¨     Requires stakeholder consultation, scientific validation, and detailed assessment before notifying a species as threatened.

¨     Calls for the preparation of species-specific recovery and conservation plans after notification, along with periodic monitoring and review.

Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002

¨     Section 38 empowers the Central Government, in consultation with the concerned State Government, to notify species that are threatened with extinction. Once notified, the government may prohibit or regulate the collection, trade, or exploitation of such species and implement measures for their protection and recovery.

More on the News

¨     The SOP seeks to establish a uniform, transparent and scientifically robust framework for the identification, assessment and notification of threatened species by States and Union Territories.

¨     India, one of the world’s megadiverse countries, is witnessing increasing threats to biodiversity from habitat degradation, overexploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change, necessitating stronger conservation measures.

¨     Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 empowers the Central Government, in consultation with the concerned State Government, to notify any species that is on the verge of extinction or is likely to become extinct in the near future as a Threatened Species.

¨     At present, 159 plant species and 173 animal species across 17 States and 3 Union Territories have been notified as threatened species by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

¨     The SOP gains added significance in light of the Biological Diversity Regulations, 2025, which provide differential treatment in benefit-sharing obligations for species notified under Section 38.

¨     It also supports the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2030 (Target 4) and aligns with India’s commitments under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Key Highlights of the SOP

¨     Scientific Identification and Assessment: Provides a structured methodology for identifying threatened species through scientific assessment, extinction-risk evaluation, field-based studies and evidence-based decision-making.

¨     Multi-Stakeholder Consultation: Mandates participation of State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), academic institutions, subject experts and local communities.

¨     Integration of Traditional Knowledge: Encourages the use of traditional ecological knowledge alongside scientific evidence to improve species assessment and conservation outcomes.

¨     Transparent Notification Process: Establishes a clear step-by-step framework covering identification, assessment, stakeholder consultation, validation and recommendation to State Governments for notification.

¨     Conservation Planning and Periodic Review: Emphasises preparation of species recovery and conservation action plans, supported by regular monitoring and periodic review to assess conservation outcomes and emerging threats.

Significance of the SOP

¨     Strengthening Scientific Conservation: Introduces a standardised and evidence-based approach for identifying threatened species, ensuring greater consistency and credibility in conservation decisions across States and UTs.

¨     Strengthening Biodiversity Governance: Enhances the capacity of State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils by providing a uniform framework for implementing Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act.

¨  Promoting Participatory Conservation: Institutionalises the role of local communities, Biodiversity Management Committees and traditional knowledge systems, thereby fostering community-led conservation efforts.

¨   Improving Species Recovery Efforts: Facilitates timely identification of species facing extinction risks and supports targeted recovery interventions through conservation action plans and continuous monitoring.