The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), published a new report on Friday that estimated 7,500 species of fish and other wild aquatic invertebrates are being directly used by humans around the globe. 31100 wild species are also included in this report (out of 50,000 wild ones exploited by humans), which includes 1,500 species fungi, 7,400 species wild trees, 1,700 species wild terrestrial invertebrates, and 7,500 wild amphibians, reptiles and birds.
This is a disturbing proportion. According to the report, 34% of wild marine fish stocks have been overexploited (only 66% are fished at bio-sustainable levels), but overall this finding shows high heterogeneity. We are talking about pharaonic numbers: 90 million tonnes have been caught annually over several decades. Approximately two-thirds of these wild fish are for human consumption, while the third is for feeding aquaculture species.
Nearly 450 species, or 37.5% of all sharks and rays are also considered to be endangered. John Donaldson, co-author of the report, stated that overexploitation is a major threat to many species of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
We must remember trees when discussing wildlife. According to the report, 2.4 billion people, or about a third, of the world's population, rely on wood for their cooking fuel. 880 million people in developing countries cut wood to make charcoal, and 880 million others use wood to fuel their stoves. Half of the wood used in the world today is being harvested for energy. 90% of wood from Africa is.
Industrial logging is a major threat to more than 25% of world's forests. Two thirds of roundwood produced in the world comes from wild trees species. Unsustainable logging is threatening 12% of wild tree species.
Out of Africa's 30 million inhabitants, 1.4 million km2 are used for recreational hunting. The hunting of large mammals accounts for between 55% and 75%. Unsustainable hunting has already threatened 669 species of wild mammals, including 1,341 species. The report notes that the world wildlife trade has significantly increased over the last 40 years.
According to the report, more than 10,000 wild species have been exploited for human foods. This makes sustainable use of wild species essential for food security and better nutrition in urban and rural areas. . Moreover, 70% of the poorest people in the world are dependent on wild species and activities that support them.
The global wildlife trade has seen a significant increase in the last 40 years. It is the third most illegal trade activity worldwide, with a value of between $69 billion to $199 billion. This trafficking is most severe for wild species, especially fish and wood. It often goes hand-in-hand with unsustainable resource management.
The main reason why protected areas across the globe received 8 billion tourists (i.e., wildlife-watching tourism) before the Covid-19 pandemic was declared, is because of this. Visitors who visit multiple times each year generated 600 billion dollars annually.
This report also shows that about 40% of terrestrial areas are occupied by indigenous peoples. They live off fishing, gathering, and taking terrestrial animals. There are 87 countries that have protected these species. Dr. Emery says that sound management of biodiversity by indigenous peoples often is embedded in local practices and spirituality. Many indigenous peoples and communities are dependent on the sustainable use of wildlife for their identity and survival.
