How Protecting 0.7% of Earth’s Land Can Save One-Third of Unique and Endangered Species
A new study by Imperial College London, On the Edge, and ZSL suggests that focusing conservation efforts on just 0.7% of the world’s land mass could help protect one third of the world’s threatened tetrapod species.
The research, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of protecting areas with high Biodiversity and species at risk. Endangered species such as the aye-aye lemur, secretary bird, purple frog, and gharial crocodile could benefit from targeted conservation efforts.
Unfortunately, only 20% of the identified areas are currently protected, with many facing increasing human pressure. By safeguarding a small portion of the Earth’s land surface, significant gains can be made in preserving nature.
The study identifies specific regions with high levels of threatened evolutionary history, focusing on Evolutionarily Distinct (ED) and Globally Endangered (GE) species. These species, known as EDGE species, are found in areas known as EDGE Zones.
The research emphasizes the importance of considering not only species diversity but also evolutionary history in conservation efforts. The study maps almost 3,000 EDGE species, identifying 25 EDGE Zones where conservation efforts can have the greatest impact.
Most EDGE species are found within a single country, highlighting the importance of national leadership in conservation. Southeast Asia, the Amazon basin, and Madagascar are among the regions with high EDGE species richness.
Despite facing human disturbance and deprivation, these regions play a critical role in global Biodiversity. With the upcoming COP16 Biodiversity Conference, there is a need for increased commitments and resources to protect these unique species and habitats.
The findings from this research will inform conservation efforts by organizations like On the Edge and ZSL’s EDGE of Existence program, guiding grant-making and resource allocation to protect endangered species in these critical areas.
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Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.