29th October 2016

58% decline in vertebrate wildlife since 1970

The Living Planet assessment, by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and WWF, reports that vertebrate wildlife populations have fallen by 58% globally since 1970, and suggests this figure may reach two-thirds among vertebrates by 2020.

Global populations of vertebrates – mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish – declined by 58 percent between 1970 and 2012, according to a new report from the WWF and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Animals living in the world's lakes, rivers, and freshwater systems have experienced the most dramatic declines, at 81 percent. Because of human activity, the report states that without immediate intervention, vertebrate populations could drop two-thirds by 2020.

"This research delivers a wake-up call that for decades we've treated our planet as if it's disposable," said Carter Roberts, WWF president. "We created this problem. The good news is that we can fix it. It requires updating our approach to food, energy, transportation, and how we live our lives. We share the same planet. We rely on it for our survival. So we are all responsible for its protection."

The top threat to wildlife is habitat loss and degradation, driven primarily by increasing demand for food and energy. According to the report, global food production is the leading cause for destruction of habitats and overexploitation of wildlife. Agriculture currently occupies approximately one-third of Earth's total land area and accounts for 70 percent of all freshwater use. Wild animals are not the only ones at risk; the report states that increased pressure threatens natural resources that all life – including humanity – depends on.



Young oil palm trees planted on cleared land. Credit: KYTan

The report demonstrates the need to rethink how we produce, consume, measure success and value the natural environment, and calls for an urgent system change by individuals, businesses and governments. The report also illustrates the positive momentum that is building, by highlighting recent global agreements on climate change and sustainable development. In particular, the report recognises the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as an essential guide to decision-making that can ensure the environment is valued alongside economic and social interests.

"A strong natural environment is the key to defeating poverty, improving health and developing a just and prosperous future," said Marco Lambertini, WWF director general. "We have proven that we know what it takes to build a resilient planet for future generations; we just need to act on that knowledge."

Living Planet Report 2016: Risk and resilience in a new era is the 11th edition of WWF's biennial flagship publication. The report tracks over 14,000 vertebrate populations of 3,700 species from all around the world, between 1970 and 2012, including research from the Global Footprint Network and the Zoological Society of London.

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