It is important to know the status of the target (species, metapopulation or population) to can define the most appropriate conservation actions. A so called Status report (or Status review) gives a good overview over the current situation of a species (or population) and its environment (ecological, political, economical and social). In such a report, the distribution of a species, its habitat, the status of its prey species, the species' function and value, threats to the species as well as current management and important institutions and people for its conservation are described. The situation of the species' environment (including political, social and economic aspects) are stated too. In this regard, a Status report builds the basis for successful conservation actions.

A lot of different forms of Status reports exist. The ones following the guidelines of the IUCN (as stated in the Strategic planning for Species Conservation) and complied under guidance of the Cat SG are marked with an asterisk.