The SSG is responsible for preparing species assessments for sharks, rays and chimaeras for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM. The IUCN Red List is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global status of plant and animal species and is the most extensively used system for gauging the extinction risk faced by species. It uses a single set of standardised criteria, IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, to evaluate the likelihood of extinction occurring within a specified time period under
past, current and future conditions.

Each assessment is supported by detailed documentation, including information on distribution, population trends, habitat and ecology, life-history, threats and conservation measures. The assessments and supporting documenation are independently evaluated by at least two members of the SSG (the Red List Authority for sharks, rays and chimaeras) and summaries circulated to the entire SSG network before submission to the IUCN Red List Unit.

Browse these pages for more information on the Red List system and how the SSG has been conducting its global assessment of all sharks, rays and chimaeras.