Freshwater species have suffered a 76 per cent decline since 1970, an average loss almost double that of land and marine species

According to the Living Planet Report report, populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles have declined by 52 per cent since 1970. Freshwater species have suffered a 76 per cent decline, an average loss almost double that of land and marine species. “Biodiversity is a crucial part of the systems that sustain life on Earth – and the barometer of what we are doing to this planet, our only home. We urgently need bold global action in all sectors of society to build a more sustainable future,” said WWF International Director General Marco Lambertini. Biodiversity declines in Africa highlight the intense pressure felt by tropical species. For the thousands of species tracked by the report, the tropics showed a 56 per cent loss across populations compared to 36 per cent in temperate zones. “The unique nature and natural resources of Africa are under more pressure than ever before. Life-sustaining ecosystems are rapidly degrading, thus compromising the future security, health and well-being of millions of African people, with the poor heavily and disproportionately bearing the brunt of these losses,” said Fred Kumah, Director of Africa at WWF International.

Source: WWF Mozambique, 16 October 2014
http://www.wwf.org.mz/?1520/Africa-provides-answers-to-environmental-pr…