Conserving 30% of land reduces extinction risk of species by half

Of the many solutions under discussion to prevent the alarming extinction rates, one of the major successes could come from conserving land.

The extinction risk faced by more than one million species would decrease by half if 30 percent of the land in the tropics is conserved, revealed a new study.

"We are on the verge of sixth mass extinction if we do not commit to increased conservation efforts," said Lee Hannah, lead author and senior scientist at Conservation International.

"If we collectively prioritize key areas for conservation, we can preserve biodiversity hotspots and slow global warming at the same time. It's a win-win model."

Massive land clearing, deforestation, and climate change have led to a trail of destruction, with many wild animals losing their habitat, driving them to the edge of extinction. Overfishing and marine pollution have led to a similar impact on oceans.

While governments have initiated efforts to control the global temperature rise by two degrees Celsius, a specific target for protecting species and ecosystems is under discussion for developing a "Paris-style" framework.

"Climate change and species loss are largely human-driven despite the fact that we need stable temperatures and healthy ecosystems to thrive," said Patrick Roehrdanz, co-author of the study.

The new study assesses the combined impact on the extinction risk of species from limiting climate change and increasing the extent of protected and conserved areas.

"Understanding the way these pressing issues are interconnected is key to implementing effective conservation solutions before it's too late," Roehrdanz added.

The study comes ahead of a global meeting in October in Kunming, China, that would finalize the target required for protecting biodiversity. A working group meeting on the issue concluded in Rome last week.

An increase in the frequency of high-intensity wildfire, destroying vast patches of forest, and wiping out a large population of wildlife has also emerged as a contentious issue for conservationists.

Bushfires in Australia that raged for months had a devastating impact on wildlife, destroying the natural habitat of animals and birds. "Australia should act on making their forests more resilient to fire. It should restore forest keeping in mind that species might be changing their habitat as the climate is changing," Hannah told CGTN.

"Get the right species under the right climate," he added.

(Top Image: A koala named Frizzle from Taree is treated for burns at The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on November 29, 2019. /VCG Photo)