Wildlife numbers fall by 73% in 50 years, global stocktake finds

A recent report from the World Wide Fund for Nature, commonly known as WWF, has revealed alarming statistics about the decline of wildlife populations around the globe. The report indicates that human activities are primarily responsible for what WWF describes as a 'catastrophic' loss of species. From majestic elephants in tropical forests to the endangered hawksbill turtles off the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife numbers are plummeting. The findings show that, on average, global wildlife populations have decreased by a staggering 73% over the past 50 years. Tanya Steele, the head of WWF UK, expressed her concern, stating that the loss of natural habitats is putting many ecosystems at risk. She highlighted that critical environments, such as the Amazon rainforest and coral reefs, are nearing dangerous tipping points that could lead to irreversible damage. The report is based on the Living Planet Index, which tracks the populations of over 5,000 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish over the last five decades. Among the many distressing findings, it was noted that 60% of the Amazon pink river dolphins have vanished due to pollution and other threats, including mining and civil unrest. However, the report also sheds light on some positive developments in conservation efforts. For instance, a sub-population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of East Africa has seen an increase of about 3% per year from 2010 to 2016. Despite these isolated successes, WWF warns that they are insufficient in the face of widespread habitat destruction. Tom Oliver, a professor of ecology at the University of Reading, who was not involved in the report, stated that when this data is combined with other information, such as the decline of insect populations, it paints a troubling picture of global biodiversity collapse. The report identifies habitat degradation and loss as the most significant threat to wildlife, followed by overexploitation, invasive species, disease, climate change, and pollution. Mike Barrett, the lead author and chief scientific adviser at WWF, emphasized that human actions, particularly in how we produce and consume food, are leading to the loss of natural habitats. The report also warns that the ongoing loss of nature and climate change are pushing the world toward irreversible tipping points, including the potential collapse of the Amazon rainforest, which plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon and mitigating climate change effects. Hawksbill turtles are also facing a decline, with nesting female populations in northeast Queensland, Australia, decreasing by 57% over the past 28 years. Mr. Barrett urged people not to simply feel sad about the loss of nature but to recognize that this poses a fundamental threat to humanity, necessitating immediate action. Valentina Marconi from the Zoological Society of London’s Institute of Zoology remarked that while the natural world is in a precarious position, there is still a chance to reverse the trend if world leaders take urgent, collective action. The report also highlights declines in bird species, such as chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. This alarming call for action comes as world leaders prepare to convene to discuss strategies for restoring nature. Nearly 200 countries have committed to addressing nature loss, with the UK pledging to make the climate crisis and biodiversity decline central to government policy. Ms. Steele described the report as an incredible wake-up call, emphasizing that healthy ecosystems are vital for our health, prosperity, and well-being. She believes that the responsibility for addressing this issue does not rest solely on the shoulders of ordinary citizens but also on businesses and governments. It is crucial to protect our land and precious wild places for future generations.