New research into the extent of biodiversity loss on the planet reveals that: almost half animal kinds The world’s percentage is currently in decline. According to the study’s authors, this dramatic (until now in detail) is due in large part to the degradation of wildlife habitats due to human activities. This is real lays the foundation for the sad reality of the Sixth Extinction that is now underway.
So far, the extent of this crisis has been monitored using the IUCN Red List, which assigns a protection category to each species. According to this system, about 28 percent of species on Earth are currently in danger of extinction.
about to obtain a more detailed and accurate view of the situationThe study’s authors examined changes in population densities of more than 71,000 species spanning five groups of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) and insects. Their results showed that 48 percent of species are currently experiencing population decline, 49 percent appear stable and only 3 percent are increasing. population size.
“This new method of study and analysis at a global scale provides a clearer picture of the true extent of global biodiversity loss than the approach traditionally used so far,” study author Daniel Pincheira-Donoso said in a statement. said.
“Almost half of the animals in the world for which reviews are available are currently in decline,” said co-author Catherine Finn. “To make things worse, Many animal species not thought to be in danger of extinction are actually declining. gradually”.
In total, 33 percent of species classified as ‘not endangered’ by the Red List were found to be in decline, suggesting that many of those considered safe may be endangered. “If such trends do not subside, 2,136 more species could be threatened in the near future”researchers explain.
Most endangered amphibians
Study authors who smashed their data, Populations are collapsing to a greater extent in tropical regions, the most stable and the least number of increases are seen in the temperate regions of the world. They also found that some taxonomic groups had more problems than others. 63% of amphibian species are declining, compared to 28 percent for reptiles.
“The level of declining species outweighs that of growing species,” the researchers say. “The scenario illustrated by these demographic trajectories is of significant concern as it represents a real loss of biodiversity rather than a turnover.”
Overall, they say these findings represent “one more sign.” global biodiversity is entering what some call the sixth mass extinctionThe heterogeneity and functioning of ecosystems and the continuity of biodiversity and human well-being are under increasing threat”.
Reference work: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.12974
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