The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) biennial Living Planet Report reveals alarming trends in global wildlife populations, highlighting significant declines and the factors contributing to this crisis.
Global Decline of Wildlife Populations
- Overall Decline: Monitored global wildlife populations have decreased by 73% over the last 50 years.
- Drivers of Decline: The decline is attributed to several factors:
- Habitat loss
- Habitat degradation
- Climate change impacts
- Invasive species
Impact on Specific Species in India
- Vulture Species: In India, the decline of three vulture species has been particularly concerning:
- White-rumped vulture
- Indian vulture
- Slender-billed vulture
Methodology
- The report’s findings are based on tracking 35,000 population trends across 5,495 species of amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles.
- Focus of Decline: The report emphasizes that the decline refers to average changes in monitored animal populations rather than the total number of populations lost.
Ecosystem-Specific Declines
- Freshwater Ecosystems: The highest decline, with populations falling by 85%.
- Terrestrial Ecosystems: Notable decline of 69%.
- Marine Ecosystems: Decline of 56%.
Contributing Factors to Wildlife Decline
- Major Drivers:
- Habitat loss due to unsustainable agriculture, logging, mining, and fragmentation
- Overexploitation of species
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Invasive species
- Diseases
Ecological Implications
- Ecosystem Roles: The report highlights that when populations fall below critical levels, species may struggle to fulfill essential ecological roles, including:
- Seed dispersal
- Pollination
- Grazing
- Nutrient cycling
- Cumulative Impacts: The decline in wildlife can trigger cumulative effects, potentially leading to ecological tipping points.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What percentage of global wildlife populations have declined in the last 50 years according to the WWF report?
- A) 50%
- B) 60%
- C) 73%
- D) 85%
- Answer: C) 73%
- Which of the following species has seen a decline in India?
- A) Bald eagle
- B) White-rumped vulture
- C) American bison
- D) Blue whale
- Answer: B) White-rumped vulture
- Which ecosystem experienced the highest decline in wildlife populations?
- A) Terrestrial
- B) Marine
- C) Freshwater
- D) Urban
- Answer: C) Freshwater
- What are some of the dominant drivers of wildlife decline mentioned in the report?
- A) Overpopulation and urbanization
- B) Climate change and habitat loss
- C) Technological advancements
- D) Increased funding for conservation
- Answer: B) Climate change and habitat loss
- What happens when a wildlife population falls below a certain level?
- A) The species becomes extinct immediately.
- B) The species may struggle to perform its usual ecological roles.
- C) The population automatically increases.
- D) It leads to a decrease in habitat size.
- Answer: B) The species may struggle to perform its usual ecological roles.