Extinction Watch: Proactive Strategies to Protect Biodiversity

Species extinction has become a pressing issue, with climate change, human population growth, and land-use change posing significant risks to global biodiversity. A proactive approach to conservation is crucial for addressing this challenge.

A study published in Current Biology, led by Marcel Cardillo of Australian National University, introduces the concept of “over-the-horizon” extinction risk. This approach considers species’ biology and projected exposure to severe changes in climate, human population, and land use. Species with two or more future risk factors are categorised as particularly vulnerable. Their models predict that by 2100, up to 20% of non-marine mammal species will have a combination of two or more risk factors, with Sub-Saharan Africa and southern/eastern Australia emerging as future risk hotspots.

Integrating Biodiversity Recovery and Climate Mitigation

To enhance the predictive power of this approach, it is also important to consider recent evidence demonstrating that some key mammal species have an outsized benefit to both biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation. Recognising these critical species and prioritising their protection can improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

The restoration and conservation of wild animals and their ecosystem roles should be a key component of natural climate solutions that can enhance our ability to prevent climate warming beyond 1.5 degrees.

Respecting Indigenous Communities

Despite the great opportunities presented by proactive conservation and rewilding approaches, we must also acknowledge the importance of respecting Indigenous communities and approaches that promote human-animal coexistence. Indigenous peoples have a wealth of knowledge and experience in managing ecosystems and wildlife, and their perspectives should be central to the development of conservation strategies.

By promoting dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and Indigenous communities, we can create more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate conservation solutions.

The Time for Proactive Rewilding

The time has come to shift our focus from reactive to proactive rewilding. By embracing the concept of over-the-horizon extinction risk and integrating biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation strategies, we can more effectively identify and protect vulnerable mammal species.

Conservation efforts are most effective when they are inclusive and respect diverse cultural perspectives. By working hand in hand with Indigenous communities and fostering human-animal coexistence, we create a united front. Only through such cooperation can we ensure a future in which both humans and wildlife can thrive, preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the rich tapestry of biodiversity that makes our planet so unique.