The decline of biodiversity is one of the most significant global challenges of our time. According to the world wildlife Fund, the Earth has lost 68% of its wildlife populations in just the past 50 years. This indicates that the number of threatened species is increasing at an alarming rate. I believe that it is important to understand this issue so that we can take action to protect these species and their habitat.

 Research Question 

What is the state of endangered species?

• Where is the threatened species located?
• How many species are threatened, and how has this number changed over time?
• How does the number of threatened species differ among different taxonomic groups?
• What are the major threats to threatened species?

About the Data

I will use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, which is a comprehensive global database on the conservation status of different biological species. The dataset includes information on the number of threatened species, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and fishes, in each country. It also provides details on the specific threats these species face. Additionally, the data contains the Red List Index (RLI) values for each country from 2001 to 2022. The RLI is a measure that indicates the proportion of species at risk of extinction in the absence of conservation efforts.

Audience

My audience is the general public, and my goal is to raise awareness about the current status of threatened species and the importance of protecting them. By presenting data in an accessible way, I aim to make it easier for a wider audience to understand and engage with the topic. My ultimate aim is to inspire people to take action and support conservation efforts, with the hope of creating a better future for threatened species and their habitats.

Description of the Visualization

The visualization I created for this project utilizes Tableau’s dashboard feature. I included a map showing the global distribution of threatened species, a line chart depicting changes in species numbers over time, and bar charts highlighting the top 10 countries with the highest number of threatened species, the distribution by taxonomic groups, and the major threats faced.

Visualization

To get a better view of the visualizations, please click here

Explanation of the data and design

I chose to utilize Tableau’s dashboard feature to create a cohesive and interactive display that brings together my visualizations. At the top of the dashboard, I included prominent big numbers to provide viewers with an immediate understanding of the current state of threatened species and their significance.

To showcase the global distribution of threatened species, I incorporated a map with red circles representing the number of threatened species in each country. The size of the circles varies based on the severity of the threat, visually conveying the level of danger using red color.

In the line chart, I chose to represent the decline of threatened species over time using images of animals. Starting with a higher concentration of species at the top of the chart, representing earlier years, the number of images decreases as the line progresses downward. This approach aims to bring the visualization to life and create an emotional connection with viewers, such as highlighting the decrease of iconic species like elephants.

In the bar charts, I continued to incorporate images of animals to represent the number of threatened species across different taxonomic groups. This adds visual interest and makes the data more relatable.

Additionally, I included a bar chart specifically focused on the major threats faced by these species. The use of a red color emphasizes the severity of these threats and provides a clear visual representation.

Finally, to encourage action, I added a section at the end of the dashboard where viewers can learn how to support conservation efforts through donations, volunteering, or other means.

Next steps

In my actual visualizations, I focused on presenting the overall number of threatened species in each country based on the available data. However, for a more detailed analysis, I plan to search for additional data sources that will allow me to delve into the specific threatened species within each country, while also considering their respective habitats. By obtaining this additional data, I will be able to develop filters or interactive features that highlight the most vulnerable species in each country and provide insights into their habitats. This expanded approach will enable viewers to gain a better understanding of whether these species primarily inhabit terrestrial, mountainous, or aquatic environments such as the sea. By incorporating this new data, my goal is to enhance people’s understanding of the species at risk and their specific habitats.

During the project review, an attendee raised an important question regarding the collaborations of the IUCN Red List with other organizations. This individual expressed his desire to support all organizations working towards the cause of species conservation. In response to this feedback, as the next step, I will include information on various organizations, initiatives, and campaigns actively involved in conservation efforts. This will provide an opportunity for people to support these organizations through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.