A recent study by Ben Gurion University (BGU) has unveiled a concerning reality: nearly half of the Earth's land surface consists of drylands, and most of these crucial ecosystems remain unprotected. Published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the research highlights that only 12 percent of drylands are safeguarded under all International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories.
Human activities such as agriculture, timber harvesting, overgrazing, and infrastructure development are putting immense pressure on these regions. Additionally, climate change exacerbates the situation, leading to severe land degradation and dwindling water resources. These factors collectively threaten the diverse species inhabiting drylands, many of which are at risk of extinction.
The study underscores that the current level of protection is far below the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) target, which aims to protect 30 percent of the Earth's surface by 2030. Even more troubling is the fact that less than 5 percent of the most biodiverse dryland areas are strictly managed for conservation purposes. This inadequate protection means that less than 10 percent of habitats for most species are prioritized for conservation, jeopardizing the viability of their populations.
Regions in Africa and Asia, home to the largest expanses of drylands, are particularly vulnerable. The researchers warn of profound human-induced changes in these areas throughout the century, driven by urbanization, agricultural expansion, and the increased use of alternative energy sources. Such changes are likely to lead to extreme heat events, resource fluctuations, and habitat fragmentation, further endangering the delicate balance of dryland ecosystems.
In light of these findings, the study calls for urgent measures to expand protection efforts. By doing so, it aims to safeguard hundreds of amphibian, bird, mammal, and reptile species, as well as preserve the invaluable ecological systems that drylands support.
Reference(s):
Study: Most drylands worldwide unprotected, endangering biodiversity
cgtn.com
