A comprehensive study of over 67,000 animal species has provided a mixed picture of global biodiversity, revealing that while many species face ongoing threats, targeted conservation efforts have successfully prevented extinctions.
About the Study (Published in PLOS Biology):
- Conducted by University of Cambridge, IUCN, BirdLife International, Oxford, and Durham Universities.
- Based on data from the IUCN Red List, the world’s largest database on species conservation status.
- Examined how conservation actions positively impacted species recovery.
Successful Conservation Cases:
- Iberian Lynx – Once the world’s most endangered wild cat, its population has increased from a few hundred to a few thousand due to habitat restoration and breeding programs.
- Kākāpō (New Zealand) – This flightless parrot has rebounded due to dedicated recovery programs.
- European Bison – Hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now restored in parts of Eastern Europe.
- Humpback & Blue Whales – Once on the brink of extinction due to commercial whaling, they have recovered significantly after an international whaling moratorium.
Key Conservation Strategies:
- Preventative Conservation: More cost-effective than emergency interventions, similar to healthcare approaches.
- Collaborative Conservation: Working with local communities ensures long-term success.
- Example: Papua New Guinea – Conservationists helped communities replace tree kangaroo hunting with sustainable protein sources (chickens and fishing), benefiting both people and wildlife.
The Need for Continued Action:
- Despite success stories, biodiversity loss remains a critical issue.
- Scientists stress urgent, long-term commitments to conservation to prevent species from reaching critical endangerment levels.
(Source: Phys)
