Global wildlife populations plunge

World populations of wildlife have plunged by almost 60 percent since 1970 as human activities overwhelm the environment. Conservationists say if the trend continues the decline could reach two-thirds among vertebrates by 2020

2012: Wildlife populations down by 58% since 1970

2020: Could fall by 67% on current trends

Global Living Planet Index (LPI) 
Confidence limits
Index tracks about 14,200 populations of 3,700 species of vertebrates
0
1
Index value (1970 = 1)
1970
1980
1990
2000
2020
2010

FRESHWATER LPI -81% 
TERRESTRIAL LPI -38%
MARINE LPI -36%

Threats to wildlife include degradation and habitat loss, overexploitation of species, introduction of invasive species, and climate change

Source: 2016 Living Planet assessment, by Zoological Society of London and WWF
Pictures: Getty Images