The threat category domain (d_iucn_threat_category) table is locally extensible. We have established conventions that allow for the addition of custom level 3 and level 4 values by both Central staff and Member programs.
Member programs wishing to add custom values for use in their ESRs are strongly encouraged to submit a help desk ticket including the attached template. If the conventions for adding custom values are not followed, the new values may result in unexpected and unexplained behaviors, such as in the Threat Category search dialog or with Data Exchange.
Guidelines for developing custom threats
- As you craft new level 3 or 4 threats, it is worth carefully reviewing the definitions of the existing IUCN Threat Categories to avoid duplicating one of the standard categories. Definitions are here.
- Follow the Conventions for adding new non-IUCN values for Central and for Member programs, as shown in the attached template (and explained on Confluence for use by Central Staff).
Note:
- Custom values added by Central are available in the “Threat Category” search dialog on the Element National Ranking page and will return IUCN threat categories, as well as non-IUCN threat categories which have been created by Central Staff. It will not include threat categories which have been created by network programs.
- Custom values added by a member programs are available in their Biotics instance in the “Threat Category” search dialog on the Element Subnational Ranking page and will return IUCN threat categories as well as non-IUCN threat categories that they have created. It will not include non-IUCN threat categories which have been created by Central Staff.
- The “Threat Category” search dialog used on the Element Global Ranking page will only return IUCN threat categories.