Two-thirds of wildlife could disappear by 2020

Wild animals in the world can be reduced by 67% by the end of this decade compared to the number from 1970, writes Manager News . This is one of the main conclusions of a report by the International Organization for Conservation of Nature WWF, entitled "For a living planet."

The data in the report confirm that our planet is entering a completely different phase of its history. Because of the changes that the person causing the Earth, it is possible sixth mass extinction of living things. Researchers already called this period the Anthropocene.

It turns out that the world's populations of fish, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles have already decreased by 58% during the period 1970-2012, the last of which collected information. This forimra downward trend with total two-thirds within half a century (from 1970 to 2020).

"In our era wildlife disappearing at an unprecedented rate - stated Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF. - It's not just for the wonderful species that we all love. Biodiversity is the basis for healthy forests, rivers and oceans. With the disappearance of species and their ecosystems will vanish clean air, water, food that they give us, "he said.

According to the report the most dramatic is the rate of loss of freshwater species - targets 81% from 1970 to 2012. For the same period, terrestrial and marine species fell by respectively 38% and 36%. The average decrease of 2% per year, while freshwater species - 3.6 per cent a year.

"Although in many ways is relatively unspoiled, our country has not passed over by this alarming trend - indicating Vesselina Kavrakova, head of WWF-Bulgaria. - It is very important now to make efforts for the protection of some critically endangered species such as the Danube sturgeon, whose storage WWF works hard. "

The number of large carnivores in Europe also dramatically reduced over the past two centuries, mainly because of human intervention, such as hunting and habitat loss. Over the past few decades, however, this trend turns thanks mainly to the action of the Birds and Habitats Directives, which are the backbone of conservation in Europe. "The return of the lynx in Bulgaria, which is also in the category of large carnivores, is a sign that efforts to protect old-growth forests - its natural home - paying off" - adds Kavrakova.

The report "For a Living Planet" is based on leading research volume and the impact of human activity on the planet. Such a framework developed by the Stockholm Center for Sustainability in collaboration with partners, demonstrates that humanity has jumped four of the nine planetary boundaries - thresholds at which the critical processes of terrestrial systems capable of supporting life on the planet.

The report includes studies of the World network footprint, which show that although we have only one Earth, people currently use the resources of 1.6 planets to provide goods and services. Countries in Central and Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine are close to average and this is why the region have so preserved biodiversity.

Source:https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/
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