Wildlife does more than enrich nature. It helps humans survive. From pollinating crops to dispersing seeds, animals play an essential role in ecosystems.
New WWF-led research warns that global policies often ignore these critical contributions. If this oversight continues, the consequences will be severe for both people and the planet.
BEYOND HABITAT PROTECTION: WHY SPECIES MATTER
A study published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity reveals a major flaw in conservation efforts. Protecting habitats alone does not guarantee species survival.
Many policies assume that saving ecosystems preserves wildlife. But, this ignores the unique contributions that different species make to ecological balance.
HOW WILDLIFE BENEFITS PEOPLE
- Food and medicine: Many species provide essential resources for survival and healthcare.
- Climate regulation: Animals help forests grow, reducing carbon in the atmosphere.
- Ecosystem resilience: Healthy wildlife populations keep ecosystems strong against climate change and disease.
- Economic value: Ecotourism generates billions and supports local communities.
- Cultural significance: Wildlife holds deep spiritual meaning across various cultures.
“If people don’t recognize wildlife’s full value, they might not take the necessary steps to protect it. This includes its invisible benefits,” says Becky Chaplin-Kramer, WWF’s global biodiversity lead scientist and lead author of the study.
THE SILENT CRISIS: DECLINING WILDLIFE POPULATIONS
WWF’s Living Planet Report reveals a 73% decline in monitored vertebrate populations since 1970. This dramatic loss threatens global biodiversity.
The decline of species weakens ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to climate change, habitat destruction, and food shortages.
MAJOR THREATS TO WILDLIFE
Beyond habitat destruction, species face multiple dangers:
- Poaching and illegal trade push many animals toward extinction.
- Overfishing disrupts marine ecosystems and endangers food supplies.
- Pollution contaminates habitats, affecting wildlife survival.
- Invasive species compete with native wildlife, reducing biodiversity.
- Climate change alters migration patterns and food availability.
“Think not just about the place, but the life inside the place,” says Chaplin-Kramer. “Protecting land without focusing on species creates empty landscapes.”
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: WHEN ONE SPECIES DISAPPEARS
A clear example of species importance is the North American sea otter. The fur trade in the 19th century nearly wiped them out.
Without otters to control sea urchins, their population exploded. This destroyed kelp forests, leading to:
- Declining fish stocks, affecting local fisheries.
- Increased coastal erosion, making communities vulnerable to storms.
- Reduced resources for Indigenous groups dependent on kelp ecosystems.
Losing just one species set off a chain reaction, proving that wildlife is essential for ecosystem balance.
STRENGTHENING WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN GLOBAL POLICY
The research calls for stronger wildlife protections in biodiversity agreements, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework.
By linking species conservation to human benefits, policymakers can:
- Strengthen conservation laws and funding.
- Gain wider public and political support for wildlife protection.
- Develop long-term strategies to restore endangered species.
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CONSERVATION
Advanced tools like satellite imaging, AI, environmental DNA, and acoustic monitoring can track wildlife populations more efficiently.
Yet, funding remains a critical challenge. Wendy Elliott, WWF’s interim biodiversity leader, stresses the urgency:
“We’re two years into the Global Biodiversity Framework, yet we still lack proper funding. At the upcoming Rome talks, leaders must secure financial resources to protect biodiversity.”
WILDLIFE PROTECTION IS HUMAN PROTECTION
Wildlife is not just a part of nature—it’s essential for human well-being. Protecting species ensures food security, economic stability, and climate resilience.
Governments, businesses, and communities must take action now. Without stronger policies and investments, wildlife loss will accelerate—bringing devastating consequences for the planet and future generations.