TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A research conducted by scientists at WWF and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) found that wildlife population worldwide has decreased into half compared to its population in 40 years back. The research also said that human is responsible for the loss as they kill the wild animals for food in unsustainable numbers, while polluting or destroying their habitats.
“If half the animals died in London zoo next week it would be front page news,” said Professor Ken Norris, ZSL’s director of science, to Guardian. “But that is happening in the great outdoors. This damage is not inevitable but a consequence of the way we choose to live.”
The 'Living Planet Report 2014' was made by joint team of Zoological Society of London, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Global Footprint Network, and Water Footprint Network. It was published on Tuesday and picture out the condition of the earth and its impact for human well being.
The report says that the number of animals living on the land has fallen by 40 percent since 1970, while Marine animal populations have also fallen by 40 percent overall, with turtles suffering in particular.
Indonesia is among countries where wildlife population is steeply decreasing. Sumatran tigers and elephants, Javan rhinos, also Sumatran and Kalimantan orang utan are species in Indonesia that continue to face threat of deforestation.
“To prevent the extinction of the animals, we must prevent the habitation degradation and loss,” sais Efransjah, the CEO of WWF Indonesia.
“We have lost one half of the animal population and knowing this is driven by human consumption, this is clearly a call to arms and we must act now,” said Mike Barratt, director of science and policy at WWF.
GRAPHICNEWS | MAHARDIKA
