A recent study conducted by Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Australia's Northern Territory highlights a troubling trend: the global decline of older animals both on land and in the oceans. Published on Friday, the research underscores the significant impact of human activities on wildlife populations.
The study attributes the decline of older animals to various human-induced factors, including poaching, trophy hunting, predator hunting, and recreational harvests. These activities have particularly affected iconic species such as lions and elephants, where older individuals are being over-exploited. The loss of older animals has serious implications for the stability and sustainability of ecosystems, as these mature individuals play critical roles in maintaining the balance of their environments.
In addition to direct human activities, the study points out that habitat loss, diseases, and extreme climate events are exacerbating the pressures on wildlife populations. Climate change, in particular, is leading to more frequent and severe weather events, which further threaten the survival of vulnerable species.
Researchers from CDU emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies that address both direct and indirect threats to older animals. Protecting these key individuals is essential for the long-term health of wildlife populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
