Almost half of the earth’s animal species are currently declining, according to research led by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
The study examined population densities of more than 70,000 animals and researchers say it is the most comprehensive record to date.
It found 48% of species on earth are currently undergoing population declines, with less than 3% increasing.
Researchers said it was a drastic alert on the global erosion of biodiversity.
The study, published in the journal Biological Reviews, was headed by PhD student Catherine Finn and Dr Daniel Pincheira-Donoso from QUB’s School of Biological Sciences, as well as Dr Florencia Grattarola from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague.
It warns that human-caused global biodiversity loss is “significantly more alarming” than previously assumed.
The study describes the biodiversity crisis as one of “the most pressing challenges to humanity for the coming decades” that threatens the functioning of ecosystems life depends on, the spread of diseases and the stability of the global economy.
‘Drastic alert’
