The populations of common animals are just as likely to rise or fall in number in a time of accelerating global change as those of rare species, a study suggests.
The populations of common animals are just as likely to rise or fall in number in a time of accelerating global change as those of rare species, a study suggests.
A study of more than 2,000 species reveals animal populations around the world – from the very common to endangered species – are going up and down as global change alters land, sea and freshwater ecosystems.
The findings highlight a need to look beyond only rare species in order to improve efforts to conserve global biodiversity, scientists say.
Critically endangered animals – such as the Hawksbill sea turtle – were previously thought to be at greater risk of decline than common species like red deer, but the study found a wide spectrum of changes in animal numbers.
Read more at University of Edinburgh
Image: Northern Gannet. (Credit: Gergana Daskalova, University of Edinburgh)
