Wildlife numbers plummet 73 percent over past half-century, report finds
Wildlife populations have decreased by 73% since 1970, primarily due to habitat loss and human activities. Conservation efforts aim to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, with some species recovering.
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Wildlife populations worldwide have decreased by over 70% in the last 50 years, according to a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Living Planet Report assessed more than 5,000 species and found that populations have fallen by 73% since 1970, primarily due to human activities. Freshwater species experienced the most significant decline, followed by terrestrial and marine vertebrates. Notable examples include a 65% decline in pink river dolphins and a 78-81% drop in forest elephants in Gabon, largely due to poaching and habitat loss. The report emphasizes that habitat degradation, driven by food systems, is the primary threat to wildlife, followed by overexploitation, invasive species, and disease. Climate change and pollution also pose significant risks, particularly in Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, and the Pacific. Despite the grim findings, WWF officials noted that it is not too late to reverse these trends, citing global conservation efforts and agreements aimed at protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. Some species, like the European bison, have shown recovery due to successful conservation initiatives. However, WWF warns that many of the goals set for 2030 are at risk of being unmet.
- Wildlife populations have declined by 73% since 1970.
- Freshwater species are the most affected, followed by terrestrial and marine vertebrates.
- Habitat loss and degradation are the primary threats to wildlife.
- Global conservation efforts aim to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
- Some species have stabilized or recovered due to conservation initiatives.
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