Report Reveals Alarming Trend in Wildlife Populations Around the World: ‘I Was Shocked’

While wildlife sightings are almost always awe-inspiring, they can soon become something entirely new. Wildlife populations worldwide have declined by an average of 73% since 1970, according to a new scientific assessment, The Guardian reports. reports.

What’s happening?

Biennale data Living Planet Report The World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London detailed the decline, with the steepest average drop of 95% recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean, the publication said.

These regions were followed by Africa with 76%, Asia-Pacific with 60%, and Europe and North America with comparatively smaller declines of 35% and 39%.

To get these numbers, scientists studied more than 30,000 population trends of 5,495 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles around the world. While the report has become one of the leading indicators of the state of wildlife populations around the world, it has also drawn criticism for potentially overestimating wildlife declines.

However, while some critics question the mathematical validity of the index approach, they acknowledge that other indicators, including IUCN Red Listshow similar trends.

Why is this reduction important?

Species and their ecosystems are inextricably linked. The loss of even one species can lead to destructive cascade disasters. Multiply this by loss or decline thousands of species, and the impact on the planet and everyone who lives on it will be enormous.

Species loss is largely the result of human activity. The Guardian reports that land use changes have become a major cause of biodiversity decline. Agriculture has destroyed tropical forestsand highways and other facilities have created huge habitat fragmentation.

As these and other activities increase, along with the effects of rising global temperatures, scientists warn that species extinction could accelerate.

“Globally, we are approaching the point of no return and irreversibly impacting the planet’s life support systems,” said Susana Muhamad, President of COP16 and Minister of the Environment of Colombia. said Guardian. “We are seeing the consequences of deforestation and the transformation of natural ecosystems, intensive land use and climate change“

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She mentioned events such as mass bleaching of coral reefsdeforestation, melting ice caps and changes to our vital water systems, saying, “We must listen to the science and take action to avoid collapse.”

Mike Barrett, WWF UK’s director of science and conservation, said: “I’ve been writing these reports for 10 years and this one was difficult to write. I was shocked.”

What is being done to combat species extinction?

Conservationists and scientists are working on save species from extinction taking action to protect their habitat, lobbying for stricter legal protections, and breeding nearly extinct species in captivity.

However, individuals also have a role to play. Taking action to slow the overheating of our planet and stop habitat destruction is something everyone can do. Vote for candidates who will take action on climate change And talking to friends and family about these issues is a great starting point.

On a smaller level, grocery shopping and there are products that do not depend on deforestation or change in mode of transportation To reduce demand on larger highways, you can also make changes to your daily life.

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