The World Wildlife Fund's 2024 Living Planet Index (LPI) report shows a 73% average decline in wildlife populations since 1970.
The 73% decline does not mean that 73% of species have gone extinct or are declining.
It represents the average decline across 34,836 studied wildlife populations.
Approximately half of the studied populations were in decline, while the other half were either increasing or stable.
Changes in the 2024 Report:
The inclusion of more populations and species has led to a shift in the overall trend.
The exclusion of non-native species has particularly affected the trends for Europe and Central Asia.
Different regions have experienced varying degrees of decline, with Africa and Europe and Central Asia showing significant shifts.
Implications and Future Directions:
By identifying the specific populations in decline, conservation efforts can be focused on the most critical areas.
Continued monitoring and data collection are essential to track trends and inform conservation strategies.
Addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, is crucial for long-term conservation.
International cooperation is necessary to tackle global threats to biodiversity.
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