Human activities continue to harm both the planet itself and the creatures living in it without slowing down. Scientists constantly emphasize that factors such as climate changes that greatly harm the Earth will have devastating consequences in living ecosystems in the coming years and may lead to the extinction of many species.
In recent months, sea turtles and elephants have consumed plastic waste in nature due to humans; We have shared with you that this situation causes the species to face the danger of extinction. In addition, it was stated that the number of bird species that are of great importance for biodiversity in our country has decreased. Now, a study of bird species has revealed that these creatures we encounter every day are being dragged into a frightening future.
Bird populations are declining
A new study published in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources has shown that worldwide bird populations are declining drastically. Experts stated that the loss and degradation of natural habitats and overuse of bird species seriously threaten biodiversity. In addition, it was reported that climate changes are a major factor in the reduction of bird numbers.
One of the authors of the study, Alexander Lees, also made the following statements about this situation: “We are witnessing the first signs of a new extinction wave of continentally distributed bird species. We see that the species that are in danger of extinction are also in the tropics where bird diversity is highest.”
“Natural habitats must be protected”
The study, which analyzes data from the World Union for Conservation of Nature, found that approximately 48% of bird species on the planet have declined showed that. In addition, it was stated that only 6% of the population experienced an increase, while the population of 39% was stable. Experts added that the new research supports another study that showed that nearly 3 billion species disappeared in the US and Canada in the last 50 years in 2019.
Despite these frightening findings, scientists emphasize that we still have hope to preserve living ecosystems. Lees states that natural habitats must be protected to prevent bird populations from declining. In addition, it is insistently underlined that the footprint of people in nature should be reduced and efforts on issues such as waste management and sustainability should be increased first.
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