The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group (MCSG) to address the conservation of microorganisms, which are vital yet often neglected in conservation efforts. This new group will evaluate the status and threats to beneficial microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which are crucial for ecosystem stability and human health. The MCSG plans to create a global network to advise on conservation priorities and compile data on threatened microbial ecosystems. They will also develop specific criteria for a Red List to classify microbes at risk of extinction. Examples of threatened microorganisms include marine cyanobacteria, which are essential for oxygen production, and actinomycetes, important for soil health and antibiotic production. The MCSG aims to leverage their findings to support the conservation of larger organisms as well.