The World Wide Fund for Nature has released a concerning update on the state of global wildlife. According to the latest Living Planet Report, populations of monitored wild species fell by an average of 73 percent between 1970 and 2022.
The Living Planet Index, managed jointly by the Zoological Society of London and WWF, tracked nearly 6,000 vertebrate species across more than 35,000 populations. These included mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish over a 52 year period. The data shows that monitored populations have been shrinking at an average rate of around 2.5 percent every year.
Freshwater species suffered the steepest losses, declining by an average of 85 percent. Terrestrial species fell by 69 percent while marine species dropped by 59 percent. The most severe regional declines were recorded in South America, where populations plunged by 95 percent, followed by Africa with an 80 percent drop.
Andrew Terry, chief conservation officer at the Zoological Society of London, noted that monitored global populations continue to decline on average with no clear sign of overall recovery yet. He explained that the average figure does not represent a simple headcount of animals lost, as it is particularly sensitive to changes in already small populations.
Habitat loss and degradation remain the most common threats. Wildlife populations also face serious risks from overexploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species and disease. Despite these challenges, the report highlights that recovery is still possible.
Targeted conservation efforts have already helped some species bounce back. Populations of tigers, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tuna, southern African elephants and green sea turtles have shown positive signs of recovery thanks to focused protection measures.
WWF Director General Kirsten Schuijt said that while wildlife populations remain under heavy pressure, hope exists through evidence based action. She stressed that alongside conservation work, major changes are needed in energy, food and finance systems to stop further nature loss.
The 2026 report includes additional data on 295 more species and 967 extra populations compared to the previous edition. This expanded information strengthens confidence in the ongoing downward trend in biodiversity. Experts warn that urgent global action is required to reverse the decline and protect the natural systems that support life on Earth.
