Almost half of the earth’s animal species are currently declining, according to research led by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
[The study] 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 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. [Read the BBC article here.]
SO WHY IS BIODIVERSITY CRITICAL TO HUMAN SURVIVAL?
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, refers to the variety of life forms, ecosystems, and genetic information present on Earth.
It encompasses all living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the ecological complexes they form.
Biodiversity is critical for several reasons:
1. Environmental Stability: Biodiversity helps maintain the stability and resilience of ecosystems, making them more resistant to disturbances such as climate change, natural disasters, or invasive species. Species interactions and ecological processes within diverse ecosystems contribute to their overall health and functionality.
2. Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides numerous essential ecosystem services that support human well-being. These services include the purification of air and water, pollination of crops, regulation of climate, nutrient cycling, and the provision of food, medicines, and raw materials.
3. Economic Value: Biodiversity also holds significant economic value. Many industries, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, depend on diverse ecosystems and the resources they provide. Biodiversity loss can have negative impacts on these sectors, affecting livelihoods and economies.
4. Aesthetic and Cultural Importance: Biodiversity has inherent aesthetic and cultural value. It enriches our lives through its beauty, diversity of species, and the cultural practices and traditions associated with it. Biodiversity is often celebrated for its role in art, literature, and spiritual or religious beliefs.
However, human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation of resources, and the introduction of invasive species, have significantly accelerated the loss of biodiversity.
This rapid decline in biodiversity poses serious threats to ecosystems, species survival, and the long-term well-being of human societies.
Save Our Woodlands is an environmentally conscious group of volunteers dedicated to preserving threatened birds, animals and ecosystems in the woodlands of New South Wales, Australia.
Only 15% of our woodlands remain, the rest has been cleared for agriculture.
Save Our Woodlands Inc. secures and protects woodlands in NSW and pays landholders, in perpetuity, to conserve, enhance and re-establish native woodlands on THEIR land, and to manage these woodlands, so they are maintained.
BUT we need YOUR help. Together we can bring about change. Please consider donating.
People tend to think that woodlands are “just bush,” consequently, over 85% of the native woodlands in New South Wales, Australia have been replaced by agriculture.
Donate $10 per month & help protect critical habitats. By doing so YOU will prevent further species from extinction.
Our work is only possible with your support.
