Nearly 70% of the world's wildlife population has been lost since 1970, says WWF report

According to a report published by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world has witnessed a two-thirds decline in total wildlife population since 1970. 

Using data collected by the Zoological Society of London, the WWF Living Planet Report 2022 details the population sizes of over 5,000 different species across the planet and observed a sharp decline of 69% on average. Deforestation, climate change, human exploitation and pollution, amongst other causes, were the primary causes for this decline in wildlife all over the world. 

The evidence gathered in the report suggests that the dual crises of bioiversity loss and climte changes must be addressed in unison to prevent further destruction of planetray resources and life. 

Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were the hardest hit by this decline, experiencing a total of 94% loss in wildlife overall, the rapid decline (over 65%) in pink river dolphin populations native to the regions being testament to the same.

However, hope still remains dwindling wildlife populations all over the world have gradually prompted pleas in order to take action against this decline. In December, delegates from around the world will gather in Montreal to hash out a new global strategy to protect the world's plants and animals.

The report emphasises the urgency to act swiftly before we are face with irreversible levels of wildlife loss. For now, the primary focus to combat declining wildlife populations remains a desperate need to procure funds for conservation efforts.