Protecting Just 1.2% of Earth’s Land Could Save Most Threatened Species

A groundbreaking new study reveals that protecting a small fraction of the Earth’s land could have a significant impact on global biodiversity. This research identifies critical hotspots around the world, home to numerous threatened species, and urges immediate action.

Concentrating conservation efforts in these areas will not only help save species on the brink of extinction but also benefit entire ecosystems. This article will delve into the study’s key findings, providing a roadmap for safeguarding these vulnerable creatures.

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The groundbreaking study of threatened species and its core findings

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Science has found that protecting just 1.2% of the Earth’s land could save the majority of the world’s most threatened species. The analysis identified 16,825 key sites across the globe, from the Amazon to Papua New Guinea, that should be prioritized for conservation over the next decade to prevent the extinction of unique plant and animal species, many of which are threatened species.

According to the lead author, Dr. Eric Dinerstein of the environmental organization Resolve, these “conservation pinpoints” are home to some of the world’s rarest, often threatened species, with many having extremely limited ranges or very low population densities. For example, the study cites the case of the Perotis cactus, whose entire remaining habitat, and thus its survival as a threatened species, may be confined to a small area of the Chihuahuan desert in North America.

Methodology and key locations of threatened species

The researchers compared global data on the distribution of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants with existing protected areas, using satellite analysis to identify the remaining habitat for these threatened species. They found that the majority of the priority conservation sites for threatened species are located in the tropics, but temperate grasslands, tundra, and Mediterranean-type ecosystems were also identified as important refuges. 

Notably, the study found that 38 of the 16,825 sites are located within 1.5 kilometers of an existing protected area, suggesting that they could potentially be incorporated into expanded conservation efforts for threatened species. Countries like the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Colombia are home to more than half of these critical sites.

Global pledges and the need for prioritization of threatened species

The findings come at a crucial time, as governments around the world have pledged to protect 30% of the planet as part of the UN’s biodiversity targets, aiming to benefit threatened species. According to the UN, currently, only 16.6% of the world’s land and inland waters are protected, and many countries are still in the process of deciding where to establish new conservation areas, areas where threatened species are often found.

The study’s authors argue that governments need to prioritize safeguarding the most diverse areas, rather than simply expanding protected areas in a piecemeal fashion. They estimate that just 7% of the new protected areas established between 2018 and 2023 overlapped with the sites they identified as conservation priorities for threatened species.

“It’s almost as if we’re using a random algorithm and picking non-rare places to add to areas under protection,” said Dr. Dinerstein. “The call to action from this paper is that we have to do a much better job in the coming years, and it is doable” to better protect threatened species.

The cost of conservation of threatened species and the example of Vietnam

Protecting the 16,825 sites identified in the study would cost an estimated $29-46 billion over five years, covering an area of 16 million square kilometers, and help protect many threatened species. This could be achieved through a combination of land purchases, expanding Indigenous land rights and titles, and establishing protected areas on privately owned land, all benefiting threatened species.

As for our beautiful Vietnam, our country is home to a diverse array of threatened species, including the Saola, a rare bovine found only in the Annamite Mountains along the border with Laos. Protecting critical habitats in Vietnam, such as the Vu Quang National Park, will be crucial to safeguarding the country’s unique biodiversity.

Overall, the study provides a roadmap for immediate action to prevent extinctions and halt the global biodiversity crisis. By focusing conservation efforts on the most threatened and irreplaceable areas, governments and organizations can make the most efficient use of limited resources to protect the world’s most vulnerable species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study provides a clear roadmap for immediate action to protect threatened species. By prioritizing the protection of just 1.2% of Earth’s land, focused on 16,825 key sites, we can save the majority of the world’s most vulnerable animals and effectively address the global biodiversity crisis. Stay updated with all things ExoTrails! Follow us on Facebook for the latest news, travel stories, and inspiration.