Extinctions don’t just happen suddenly. They are often preceded by gradual population declines that leave “footprints” of impending doom.
The researchers of a recent study analyzed these population trajectories and discovered that 48% of every species has shrinking populations. And only 3% have increasing populations. Shockingly, they also found that 33% of species labeled as “least concern” by the IUCN are heading toward extinction more slowly.
Certain animal classes are more vulnerable than others. For instance, amphibians are experiencing the most significant population decline of all.
Geographical location also plays a role, with species in tropical regions facing steeper declines compared to those in temperate areas, largely due to their sensitivity to change.
The implications of this extinction crisis go beyond the loss of individual species. Entire ecosystems are at risk of unraveling and collapsing, disrupting ecological functioning and community compositions.
Causes of extinction
Human activities are undeniably at the heart of this crisis. With 40% of the Earth’s land already altered for food production to sustain the growing population, agriculture alone is responsible for 90% of global deforestation. It consumes a staggering 70% of the planet’s freshwater, directly pushing species toward extinction.
