Now animals are at the most risk on the Earth
Scientists have been warning that the number of animal species surviving in the free environment in the world is decreasing. After a new study, they say the situation is much more alarming than they thought.
Scientists say in the research that human has wiped out many plant and animal species from the Earth in their civilizing activities, leaving many other species in a crisis of existence. The population of almost half of this planet’s species is rapidly declining.
Some scientists say that Earth’s history is about to enter a chapter of mass extinction for the sixth time, and humans are responsible for it this time.
The construction of farms, cities, and roads is one of the leading causes of wildlife habitat destruction in the world. In this case, climate change is also a significant factor. Also, as global warming increases, its adverse effects on wildlife increase.
Researchers have given this warning by analyzing the situation of 70 thousand species like mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects.
The research had done to determine if the population of these animals is growing, declining, or stable. According to the research report published in the journal Biological Review, the population of 48 percent of the species is decreasing. There is only a 3 percent increase in numbers.
According to Daniel Pinchera-Donoso, co-author of the study from Queen’s University in Belfast, the results are a dire warning message.
He added that other studies on a few species showed that wildlife’s ongoing ‘existential crisis’ is more severe than commonly believed.
“And our research shows that the dire reality of wildlife extinction is true globally.”
Pinchera-Donoso said the study provides a clear picture of the severe biodiversity decline.
The IUCN has classified animals as ‘protected’ for many years based on a particular assessment period. In the process, the IUCN added 28 percent of species to their Red List as threatened with extinction.
The new research assesses that 33 percent of species classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List are also increasingly at risk of extinction.
Mammal, bird, and insect species are declining. But widespread amphibian species are the most affected. They are facing various threats, including diseases and climate change-related problems.
However, there is good news in the research for fish and reptiles. Many of these species populations are still stable rather than declining.
Professor Brendan Godley from the UK’s University of Exeter, who was not involved in the study, commented that the research offers new perspectives on reducing wildlife and animal populations. This is significant research where all the vertebrates and insects of the world have been
