Wildlife species are experiencing significant and alarming declines.
It's a stark reality: Over the past half century, species extinction rates have skyrocketed, as indicated by data from the WWF. Particularly vulnerable are Latin America and the Caribbean, where the decline can reach an alarming 95%.
The global wildlife population has witnessed a decrease of around 73% over the past 50 years, as per a recent report. The WWF attributed this global trend to human-induced activities that lead to species extinction. The report, titled "Living Planet Index," was released to highlight this concerning issue.
The worst damage was observed in freshwater ecosystems, showing a staggering 85% decline, followed by a 69% decline in land-based ecosystems and a 56% decline in marine ecosystems.
Latin America and the Caribbean are at the receiving end of this destruction with up to 95% decline in these regions rich in biodiversity. However, Europe's decline is described as "less spectacular."
"The Living Planet Index conveys a worrying message: We're destroying our own life-support system," remarked Kathrin Samson from WWF Germany. "Our well-being, food supply, access to clean water, economic stability, and climate stability relies on ecological health, thriving wildlife populations."
The report emphasizes the urgency to address both climate change and biodiversity loss concurrently. Crossing certain "breaking points" in specific ecosystems may lead to irreversible changes with catastrophic consequences for humanity. Deforestation in the Amazon serves as a cautionary tale, with the potential to transform this vast carbon sink into a carbon source.
Habitat loss
Environmental degradation and habitat loss, predominantly due to the food industry, emerged as the most prevalent threat across all regions. Other threats include climate change, particularly impacting Latin America and the Caribbean, and pollution, which affects North America, Asia, and the Pacific significantly.
Europe, Central Asia, and North America exhibit less drastic population declines compared to other parts of the world. The success of conservation measures for European bison is a shining example, with their population growing from extinction in the wild to around 6800 individuals today. Majority of these European bison inhabit protected areas.
The overall situation, according to WWF Director-General Kirsten Schuijt, is "incredibly concerning." However, she added that the tipping point hasn't been reached yet.
The WWF report evaluated nearly 35,000 vertebrate populations from over 5,000 species. The report focuses on the population size change over an extended period, rather than the number of individual animals. Critics, including studies published in "Nature" journal, have questioned the WWF's methodology.
South America, being a significant part of Latin America and the Caribbean, is also facing a alarming 95% decline in wildlife populations, as highlighted in the WWF's report. Furthermore, the destruction of habitat, primarily due to human activities in the food industry, is causing widespread ecological damage across South America.
