Appendix O: How to calculate integrity scores

Step-by-step instructions for generating integrity scores from public data.

Integrity scores need to be validated from public data. Accepted sources in order of preference are peer-reviewed research papers, academic theses, public datasets, expert opinion, and NGO/policy reports.

Many rare animals have poor documentation of their characteristics. Most projects will need to satisfy independent expert reviewers for the integrity scores they have decided to use. We have strong hopes that this science will become more standardized and open-source in the future. For now, we've established a database that experts are welcome to contribute to, to make the science and calculations on integrity scores more transparent and robust.

Basic protocols for integrity score research:

• Integrity scores range between 0 to 1.

• Species with scores of 1:

  • Species that are 'Critically Endangered' according to the global IUCN Red List or national/regional assessments OR

  • Species documented to be highly sensitive to habitat loss or ecosytem degradation OR

  • Species that are documented apex predators OR

  • Species listed in CITES Appendix 1.

• Species with scores of 0.9:

  • Species that are 'Endangered' according to the global IUCN Red List or national/regional assessments OR

  • Species listed in CITES Appendix 2.

• Species with scores of 0.8:

  • Species that are 'Vulnerable' according to the global IUCN Red List or national/regional assessments OR

  • Species listed in CITES Appendix 3.

• Species with scores of 0.7:

  • Species that are 'Nearly Threatened' according to the global IUCN Red List or national/regional assessments.