The IUCN Species Programme and Species Survival Commission use current research to assess the conservation status of all species, subspecies and in some cases populations, of the world’s animals and plants, resulting in the Red List. Each group is classified under the following headings:

NE: Not Evaluated

DD: Data Deficient

LC: Least Concern

NT: Near Threatened

VU: Vulnerable

EN: Endangered

CR: Critically Endangered

EW: Extinct in the Wild

EX: Extinct

They play a prominent role in  advising the conservation management actions of governments, NGO’s, charities and scientific institutions.

Seal Rescue Ireland are a registered charity, working in County Wexford, Southern Ireland. They rescue orphaned, sick and injured Grey and Common Seal pups throughout the country, rehabilitate them, and finally re-release them.