Targeted conservation efforts pulled hundreds of species

Background

• Biodiversity loss is a major global concern, with species extinction rates accelerating due to human activities.
• The IUCN Red List tracks species‘ conservation statuses, categorizing them based on extinction risk.
• Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, legal protection, reintroductions, and captive breeding have been implemented globally.
• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore populations.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Key Findings of the Study

• Success Stories:
  • Iberian lynx population grew from a few hundred to several thousand.
  • Kākāpō recovery program in New Zealand boosted its numbers.
  • European bison reintroduced into the wild after extinction.
  • Humpback and blue whales rebounded due to whaling bans.
• Impact of Conservation Measures:
  • 78.3% of the 969 species with increasing populations had targeted conservation actions.
  • 99.3% of species whose Red List category improved since 1980 benefitted from conservation.
  • Island ecosystems (New Zealand, Mauritius, Seychelles, Borneo, etc.) showed the highest recovery rates.
• Ongoing Biodiversity Decline:
  • Since 1980, six species declined for every one that improved.
  • 1,220 species saw net declines, while only 201 improved.
  • 25 species moved from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Critically Endangered’; none moved in the opposite direction.
  • Habitat destruction, overhunting, pollution, climate change, and invasive species are primary threats.
• Worst-Affected Regions:
  • Tropical Andes, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, southern Europe, central Asia, and southeastern Australia.

Forward Prospects :

• Need for Scaling Up Conservation Efforts:
  • Expansion of habitat restoration and protection measures.
  • Strengthening global conservation policies under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
  • Increased funding and coordination for conservation programs.
• Policy Implications:
  • Integration of conservation goals into national development policies.
  • Strengthening international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Technological and Scientific Advances:
  • Use of AI and remote sensing to track species recovery.
  • Genetic research to aid breeding and reintroduction programs.
• Community and Economic Aspects:
  • Ecotourism as a tool for funding conservation.
  • Involvement of indigenous communities in habitat protection.

                                                                                                            Source : Down To Earth