68% Decline in Global Wildlife Populations in Just 50 Years

World Wildlife Fund and Zoological Society of London Report 94% Decline in Latin America Earth Life Index

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A shocking report has revealed that the number of animals worldwide has decreased by 68% in just half a century. This indicates that the Earth's ecosystem is rapidly changing due to human resource overuse, agricultural expansion, and population growth.

Panda at Berlin Zoo in Germany
[Photo by Reuters]

According to the Living Planet Index released on the 9th (local time) by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London, the number of vertebrates on Earth?including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians?declined by 68% between 1970 and 2016. This is an 8 percentage point drop from the 60% reported in 2018, showing a rapid decrease in vertebrate populations even within two years.

This report, published every two years, is compiled by tracking the populations of 4,392 vertebrate species.

In particular, Central and South America showed a dramatic 94% decline in animal populations. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish in this region were especially hard hit. Overfishing and habitat destruction in this area were identified as the main causes. Africa saw a 65% decrease, Asia 45%, North America 33%, and Europe and Central Asia 24% decline in populations.

The report pointed to the conversion of forests and grasslands into agricultural land as a major cause of population decline. This has led to countless animals losing their habitats. It also noted that one-third of land and three-quarters of freshwater resources are being used, and fish populations are exposed to the risk of overfishing.

Mike Barrett, director at WWF, emphasized, "Urgent and immediate action is needed in the food and agriculture sectors," adding, "All indicators related to biodiversity are rapidly moving in the wrong direction." He stated, "Regulations on deforestation and related activities are necessary," and described the situation as "extremely urgent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.