Increased Human-Wildlife Encounters Forecasted on Over Half of Earth’s Land by 2070
The human population is growing, leading to an increase in the overlap between humans and animals on Earth’s land by 2070, a study from the University of Michigan reveals. This growing overlap may result in more conflicts between people and wildlife. Understanding where this overlap is likely to occur and which animals will interact with humans in specific areas is crucial for urban planners, conservationists, and countries committed to international conservation efforts.
The study predicts that about 57% of global lands will see an increase in human-wildlife overlap, mainly driven by human population growth rather than climate change. This means more people will be interacting with wildlife, potentially leading to new and unforeseen interactions between humans and animals.
Areas with high current and projected human-wildlife overlap are concentrated in regions with high human population density, such as China and India. Forests in Africa and South America are also projected to experience a significant increase in overlap, putting pressure on Biodiversity in these regions.
Preserving Biodiversity in areas of overlap is crucial, as it can have various benefits. For example, the reduction in bird species that eat crop pests in agricultural areas due to increased overlap could impact crop yields. Scavengers like vultures and hyenas also play a vital role in cleaning waste and reducing the prevalence of diseases.
Future conservation strategies will need to adapt to the changing landscape, involving local communities in conservation efforts and exploring innovative approaches like establishing habitat corridors and temporary protected areas. Planning for sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife is essential to ensure the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
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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.