C.5. Changes In Fauna

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C.5. Changes In Fauna

Details of the changes	According to scientific research, Earth’s wildlife populations have decreased by an average of 69% in just under 50 years. The average size of the wildlife population has seen the steepest decline which is 94% in 48 years in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Amazon. The sixth mass extinction, which is the biggest loss of life on Earth since the extinction of the dinosaurs, is widely believed to be occurring right now, and many scientists feel that humans are to blame. Freshwater populations have decreased the most, according to the WWF, with an average reduction of 83% between 1970 and 2018. According to the IUCN Red List, amphibians are the species that are most in danger, followed by corals and an ancient group of seed plants called cycads. Extinction of species – most recently such Pinta Giant Tortoise, Yangtze River Dolphin, Western Black Rhinoceros, and Ivory Billed Woodpecker with more than 42,100 species facing extinction. Habitats of many species such as Asiatic lions, African Cheetahs, tigers, etc. have come to only a few restricted places. For example, Asiatic Lions are only found in Gir National Park. Increasing the number of conservation areas around the world to protect the loss of biodiversity.
Reasons for changes in Fauna	Natural causes: Floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions other natural disasters also cause loss of biodiversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation – are the main factors causing the extinction of animals and plants. Natural forests are cut down to provide room for businesses, farms, dams, homes, recreational activities, etc. Tropical rainforests are the most shocking examples of habitat loss. Land use change is still the biggest current threat to nature, destroying or fragmenting the natural habitats of many plant and animal species on land, in freshwater, and the sea. Overexploitation by humans over the past 500 years has led to the extinction of numerous species (Steller’s sea cow, passenger pigeon), etc. Climate Change – Animals have reacted differently to climate change than humans. Climate change causes species to migrate, adapt, or, if neither of those things happens, to go extinct. Introduction of alien invasive species – The native catfish in Indian rivers are in danger due to the recent illegal introduction of the African catfish for aquaculture reasons. Illegal Poaching and Hunting are the main cause of extinction of many animal and fish species, for ex: Asian cheetah while others are on the brink of extinction such as the one-horned rhino, Tiger, Elephants Illegal trade in wildlife for their use in medicines and decorative purposes eg Mongoose hair, rhino horn, snake skins, tiger and leopard claws, etc
Effects of Changes in Fauna	Disruption in Ecosystems – If a species has a unique function in its ecosystem, it’s the extinction of other species and the ecosystem itself. Multiple Effects of Losing Apex Predators – Scientists claim that the loss of these species has contributed to pandemics, fires, the invasive spread of species, the deterioration of ecosystem services, and a drop in carbon sequestration. Pollination is negatively impacted as approximately all blooming plants in the tropical rainforest are pollinated by animals, as are 75% of the world’s food crops, which are either entirely or partially pollinated by insects and other animals. Losing the healing benefits of nature – More than 25% of prescription drugs include compounds that were found in plants or animals. The source of penicillin was a fungus. Increased Human-Wildlife conflict due to habitat loss and deforestation. For ex: In reserves, 125 people were killed by tigers between 2019 and 2021. With 6 deaths, Maharashtra accounted for almost half of these. This also leads to other Impacts such as damage to crops, increased cruelty towards animals, the economic burden on farmers, etc. Destruction of livelihood – According to a study for the U.N., the continued loss of species could cost the world 18 percent of global economic output by 2050.