IUCN assesses species based on a risk scale ranging from Least Concern to Critically Endangered, with the latter category encompassing species that are facing a very high risk of disappearing from the wild.

"Almost 200 species of bird are now in real danger of being lost forever," said Dr. Leon Bennun, the Director of Science, Policy and Information at Birdlife. "They are being hit on multiple fronts. Habitat loss, agricultural changes, invasive species and climate change are the principle threats. Without these problems being addressed the list will continue to grow."

Climate change, is receiving special recognition recently from the IUCN, with new measures being undertaken to specifically address climate change impacts to species' survival.