A major global study has revealed a striking threat to
Earth’s most biodiverse regions: farming is driving severe species loss in some
of the planet’s richest ecosystems. According to the study published in Communications
Earth & Environment, agricultural expansion within global biodiversity
hotspots has resulted in a 26% decline in species richness — meaning far
fewer types of plants and animals survive in farmland compared to natural
habitats. Down To Earth
Biodiversity Hotspots Under Pressure
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with extremely rich plant
and animal life, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. These areas —
like the Western Ghats in India, the Atlantic Forest in South America, and
Sundaland in Southeast Asia — are vital for global ecological health. Yet these
same places are experiencing rapid agricultural expansion to meet rising food
demand. Down To Earth
Researchers found that while these hotspots originally
contained lush forests and complex ecosystems, more than 70% of their native
vegetation has already been lost, pushing many species into smaller, fragmented
patches of habitat. Many animals and plants with limited geographic
ranges—especially small mammals, birds, and amphibians—are particularly
vulnerable: even modest habitat loss can drive entire populations toward
extinction. Down To Earth
How Farming Impacts Species
By comparing natural habitats with adjacent farmland,
scientists assessed three key measures of biodiversity: the number of different
species, the total number of individual organisms, and the overall diversity of
biological communities. They found:
- 26%
fewer types of species survived on farmland compared to untouched
ecosystems.
- 12%
fewer individual animals and plants were present overall.
- Nearly
9% lower diversity in populated communities when measured at similar
scales.
These declines point to the stark biological cost of converting forests, grasslands, and other natural landscapes into farms. Down To Earth
Agriculture Expansion Trends
Satellite data show cropland inside biodiversity hotspots
grew by about 12% between 2000 and 2019, outpacing the global average of
around 9%. Expansion was especially rapid in tropical regions near the equator,
where many hotspot ecosystems occur. Much of this land lies outside protected
areas, making it even more vulnerable to further agricultural conversion. Down To Earth
Why This Matters
Biodiversity loss does more than reduce the number of
species — it undermines entire ecosystems that support essential biological
functions, from pollination and seed dispersal to pest control and soil health.
When species decline or disappear, the consequences ripple through the
environment and can eventually affect human wellbeing, food security, and
climate stability. Research from other global analyses also shows that
agriculture is the primary driver of habitat loss and threatens
thousands of species worldwide. UNEP - UN Environment Programme
Urgent Calls for Action
The authors of the Communications Earth & Environment
study stress that simply expanding farmland to meet food security needs is not
sustainable in biodiversity-rich regions. Their recommendations include:
- Expanding
and strategically protecting key biodiversity hotspots, especially
areas where rare species thrive.
- Strengthening
management and enforcement within existing protected areas.
- Improving
productivity on currently cultivated lands to reduce pressure to clear
new habitats.
- Supporting
international cooperation on sustainable food systems so economically
struggling biodiversity-rich countries aren’t forced to convert ecosystems
to survive.
- Engaging
local communities in conservation planning and habitat monitoring. Down To Earth
A Call to Balance Food and Nature
This study underscores a fundamental tension: feeding a
growing global population while protecting Earth’s natural heritage. Without
thoughtful conservation and sustainable farming practices, the world risks
losing not only iconic wildlife but the very ecological systems that sustain
life on Earth.
📌 References
- Global
study shows 26% decline in species in biodiversity hotspots due to farming
Communications Earth & Environment. Reported by Down To Earth. Down To Earth
- The
global food system is the primary driver of biodiversity loss UNEP
& Chatham House Report. UNEP - UN Environment Programme
