The number of red list categories prepared by WCU (IUCN) is

Options

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding IUCN**: The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an organization that focuses on the conservation of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources.

2. **Red List Categories**: The IUCN has developed a system known as the Red List, which categorizes species based on their risk of extinction.

3. **Total Categories**: The IUCN Red List consists of a total of 9 categories.

4. **List of Categories**:
- **Extinct (EX)**: Species that are no longer known to exist.
- **Extinct in the Wild (EW)**: Species that only survive in captivity or outside their natural habitat.
- **Critically Endangered (CR)**: Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- **Endangered (EN)**: Species at a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- **Vulnerable (VU)**: Species at a high risk of endangerment in the wild.
- **Near Threatened (NT)**: Species that are likely to become endangered in the near future.
- **Least Concern (LC)**: Species that are at low risk of extinction.
- **Data Deficient (DD)**: Species for which there is inadequate information to assess their risk of extinction.
- **Not Evaluated (NE)**: Species that have not yet been assessed against the criteria.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the total number of Red List categories prepared by IUCN is 9.

**Final Answer**: The number of Red List categories prepared by IUCN is 9.

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