A recent analysis reveals that two million species are at risk of extinction, which doubles previous UN estimates.
Although the decline of plant and vertebrate species was widely documented by scientists, uncertainty about insects persisted. A UN carried out a provisional analysis in 2019, indicating that 10% were threatened with extinction.
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Latest data on insects indicate that the proportion at risk is much higher than previously mentioned.
Given the enormous diversity of insect species, this increase means that the global number of threatened species is now twice as high as previously estimated, as highlighted in an article published in Plos One last Wednesday (8).
Axel Hochkirch, lead researcher at the Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, in Luxembourg, highlighted that the study highlights the threat faced by insects, putting it on par with other taxonomic groups.
He emphasized the need to address this issue, highlighting that insects, being the group of animals most diverse in species on the planet, play a crucial role in services ecosystems.
Given the scarcity of data on global insect populations, Hochkirch highlighted the importance of understand and face the challenges that these species face, which are fundamental for the survival of planet.
The team conducted a comprehensive analysis of European species listed as threatened by the Union International for Nature Conservation, recognized as the most complete source on species in risk.
The results revealed that approximately a fifth of European species are at risk of extinction, with 24% of invertebrates, 27% of plants and 18% of vertebrates facing threats.
Notably, with the exception of insects, the estimates remained in line with those made by the Platform UN Intergovernmental Science Policy on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Ipbes) in 2019.
The researchers, based on a comprehensive analysis of 14,669 Continental Red List assessments for animal species and European plants, concluded that approximately 2 million plant and animal species are facing risk of extinction.
Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of Ipbes, mentioned that the second Ipbes Global Assessment Report, scheduled for 2028 will likely bring updates and expansions to the estimates and messages presented in the first Assessment Report Global.
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