Africa's wildlife populations have declined by a staggering 76 percent over the past five decades, according to a report released Friday by the World Wide Fund for Nature Kenya (WWF-Kenya). The 2024 Living Planet Report, unveiled in Nairobi, highlights the dire state of the continent's iconic species, including mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds.
The report identifies habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and diseases as the primary drivers behind the sharp decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2020. \"This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for transformative action to safeguard Africa's natural ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them,\" states the 15th edition of the report.
WWF-Kenya emphasizes that immediate and concerted efforts are essential to reverse this trend and preserve Africa's rich biodiversity. The degradation of natural habitats not only threatens wildlife but also undermines ecological balance and the well-being of communities that rely on these ecosystems.
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WWF: Africa's wildlife population declines by 76% since 1970
cgtn.com
