The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conducted a global study that showed that over the past 50 years, the world’s wild animal populations have declined by an average of 73%. IN reports WWF called it a “catastrophic” loss of species, which threatens the existence of many ecosystems.
WWF’s wildlife report covers research on over 5,000 bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile and fish populations around the world. From elephants in rainforests to hawksbill turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, the sharp declines of these species signal a serious crisis in biodiversity conservation. In particular, habitat loss is becoming a key cause of this decline.
For example, human activities have led to the disappearance of 60% of the Amazon’s pink river dolphins due to river pollution, mining and even civil unrest in the region. Major threats to wildlife include habitat degradation and loss, overexploitation of natural resources, introduction of invasive species, spread of disease, climate change and pollution.
WWF warns that biodiversity loss and climate change are leading the world to irreversible changes, such as the possible “collapse” of the Amazon rainforest. If this forest loses its ability to absorb carbon, it will significantly increase global warming and deepen the climate crisis.
However, there is some positive news: the subpopulation of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains in East Africa grew by about 3% annually from 2010 to 2016, according to the report. However, this isolated success is an exception to the general loss of habitats.
WWF published the report ahead of the UN Conference on Biodiversity, where countries will discuss ways to restore and conserve nature.
