Between 1970 and 2020, wildlife populations dropped 73% (2024)

The Living Planet Report finds that the average size of monitored wildlife populations fell by 73% between 1970 and 2020. This is not a measure of species lost: it tracks population trends across amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. The index draws on nearly 35,000 trends covering 5,495 species. The steepest regional decline was in Latin America and the Caribbean, at 95%, followed by Africa; freshwater populations fell 85%, the greatest decline among freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Habitat loss and degradation, driven chiefly by food production, were the most commonly reported threats, alongside overexploitation, invasive species and disease. These declines can weaken ecosystems that provide clean water, food and carbon storage, and may signal growing risks of irreversible environmental change.

The report warns that nature and climate are approaching critical tipping points, while countries have not made enough progress on global commitments. It argues that isolated conservation successes, such as the recovery of European bison, cannot match the scale of the crisis. Reversing the trend requires stronger conservation and systemic changes to food, energy and finance: producing food sustainably, reducing waste and shifting toward more plant-based diets; replacing fossil fuels with renewables to cut emissions; and directing investment away from harmful activities. The report also points to the global target of protecting and restoring 30% of land, waters and seas by 2030 as a chance to expand effective action. It stresses that recovery remains possible if people and governments act urgently.