Predators in peril: Protected areas cover just a fraction of global carnivore ranges

Mongabay
Mongabay
1w ago • 8 views
A study reveals that most land-dwelling carnivores live outside protected areas, threatening their survival. This highlights the need for better conservation strategies.
Predators in peril: Protected areas cover just a fraction of global carnivore ranges
A What happened
A new study published in Science Advances highlights the precarious situation of land-dwelling carnivores, revealing that 64% of their ranges overlap with densely populated human areas. Only 35% of these ranges are within designated conservation lands. The research emphasizes the importance of Indigenous lands, which, despite comprising only 6.2% of the global population, overlap with over a quarter of carnivore ranges. The study indicates that human activities, including urban development and climate change, are severely impacting these species, many of which are keystone species vital for ecosystem health. The findings call for enhanced conservation efforts and policies to protect both designated areas and Indigenous lands, which are crucial for the survival of these animals.
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Key insights

  • 1

    High human impact on carnivores: 64% of carnivore ranges overlap with urban areas.

  • 2

    Indigenous lands critical: Indigenous territories support over 25% of global carnivore ranges.

  • 3

    Need for better conservation: Only 10% of carnivore ranges are protected under conservation laws.

  • 4

    Climate change exacerbates threats: Warming climates further threaten carnivore habitats and food sources.

Takeaways

The study underscores the urgent need for improved conservation strategies that include Indigenous lands to protect vulnerable carnivore populations from human encroachment and climate change.

Topics

Climate & Environment Conservation