A new study shows how effectively conservation actions slow down extinction rates, estimating that at least 28 species of birds and mammals would have been hopelessly lost since 1993 had there been no human intervention. The message is clear: With enough support, we can stop the extinction crisis.
The study led by scientists from the University of Newcastle and BirdLife International and published in the journal Conservation Letters , estimates that the extinction rates of birds and mammals would have been three to four times higher during that period, which was chosen because 1993 is when the UN Convention on Biological Diversity came into force. Although 15 species of birds and mammals have become extinct or are suspected since that year, the researchers say they have been able to save between 28 and 42 species from both branches.
Among them, the Iberian lynx, the California condor and the pygmy pig are among the animals that would have disappeared without reintroduction programs, zoo-based conservation and formal legal protections. Many of these species are listed as threatened on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
21 bird species benefited from invasive species control, 20 from conservation in zoos and collections, and 19 from site protection. 14 species of mammals were favored by the new legislation and 9 species of mammals by reintroduction and conservation in zoos and collections.
They include the Puerto Rican Amazon , a small parrot that had been reduced to just 13 individuals in the wild in 1975 and that was saved from extinction thanks to a reintroduction program in a state park on the Caribbean island.
In Mongolia, around 760 Przewalski horses roam the steppes once again, despite being extinct in the wild in 1960 thanks also to reintroduction efforts.
A positive message
According to BirdLife International chief scientist Stuart Butchart, these data show that commitments to prevent future species loss are “achievable and essential to maintaining a healthy planet” and give hope for the survival of other critically endangered species. .
To reach these conclusions, the researchers convened a panel of 137 experts to analyze data on population size, trends, threats, and actions carried out for the most threatened birds and mammals on the planet (a long list of 17,046 species of birds and mammals ). They then estimated the probability that each species had become extinct in a hypothetical scenario in which no action had been taken.
Despite the positive side of this study, some species experienced declines, such as the vaquita marina , a porpoise found in the Gulf of California that is threatened by illegal fishing. There is no need to lose heart. We have found that conservation efforts can work.
The study has come at a good time, as it will provide valuable evidence to support current global debates on biodiversity.
Referencia: Bolam, F.C, Mair, L., Angelico, M., Brooks, T.M, Burgman, M., McGowan, P. J. K & Hermes, C. et al. (2020). How many bird and mammal extinctions has recent conservation action prevented? Conservation Letters, e12762. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12762
