The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is an extinction risk assessment
tool that has guided species conservation over the last five decades.
However, as wildlife scientists and conservationists, we argue that its
influence on the global conservation agenda can hinder effective species
conservation efforts. Here, we review the limitations of the Red List
and its misuse in priority setting, which can overlook local and
regional contexts. This can result in improper allocation of
conservation resources, especially in the Global South, where financial
resources are limited. In particular, funds directed towards red-listed
species may fail to address a broader range of conservation priorities.
We also contend that extinction risk is insufficient for guiding
conservation efforts and recommend broadening conservation planning and
decision-making beyond reliance on the Red List. Thus, for a more
inclusive and decentralized approach, we summarize guidelines for
guiding species conservation at appropriate ecological, spatial, and
taxonomic scales. Finally, we encourage more collaborative efforts and
stakeholder engagement for the setting of conservation priorities and
efficient funding allocation.