A new assessment by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) has reported a sharp fall in global vertebrate wildlife populations over the past five decades. The organisation’s Living Planet Report 2026, released in Switzerland, estimates an overall decline of 73% between 1970 and 2022.
The report tracks trends based on changes in the numbers and movement patterns of vertebrates, including mammals, fish, birds and other aquatic life. It highlights that the most severe drop has been recorded among freshwater species.
According to the findings, freshwater wildlife populations declined by 85% during the period studied. Terrestrial species saw a 69% fall, while marine life declined by 59%.
WWF attributes the losses to factors such as destruction of forest habitats, excessive exploitation of natural resources, climate change and air pollution. Ravi Singh, the organisation’s India head, said nature can be restored if conservation measures similar to efforts that helped revive tiger numbers are followed.
