GITNUXREPORT 2026

Biodiversity Loss Statistics

A million species face extinction due to rapid human-driven environmental destruction.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Ocean acidification projected to cause 20-30% decline in calcifying species by 2100.

Statistic 2

99% of coral reefs could be lost by 2050 under high emissions.

Statistic 3

Arctic sea ice loss threatens 70% of polar bear subpopulations.

Statistic 4

50% of alpine plant species at risk from warming.

Statistic 5

Sea level rise endangers 70% of mangroves globally.

Statistic 6

40% of amphibian species vulnerable to climate change.

Statistic 7

Phenological shifts causing 20% mismatch in bird migration.

Statistic 8

30% of species at high risk of extinction from 1.5°C warming.

Statistic 9

Tropical forest tree species turnover increased 50% due to warming.

Statistic 10

80% of penguin colonies at risk from ice loss.

Statistic 11

Droughts caused 25% decline in Amazon tree growth.

Statistic 12

60% of European butterfly species shifting ranges.

Statistic 13

Marine heatwaves killed 14 billion sea creatures in Tasmania.

Statistic 14

50% habitat loss for koalas from climate extremes.

Statistic 15

Permafrost thaw risks 10% of global species.

Statistic 16

35% increase in extinction risk for Mediterranean species.

Statistic 17

Coral bleaching events increased 5-fold since 1980s.

Statistic 18

70% of kelp forests lost off California due to warming.

Statistic 19

25% of fish species in tropics at risk from ocean warming.

Statistic 20

High Arctic plants advancing 17 days earlier per decade.

Statistic 21

40% decline in Antarctic krill from warming oceans.

Statistic 22

55% of cloud forest species vulnerable to drying.

Statistic 23

Sea temperature rise causing 20% decline in reef fish.

Statistic 24

30% extinction risk for freshwater species from heat.

Statistic 25

65% of wetlands at risk from changing hydrology.

Statistic 26

Bird species richness declining 5.6% per 1°C warming.

Statistic 27

50% of butterfly species unable to track warming.

Statistic 28

75% of boreal forest at risk from fire increase.

Statistic 29

45% decline in lizard species from heat stress.

Statistic 30

20% of marine species shifting 10x faster than land.

Statistic 31

Approximately 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before analyzed.

Statistic 32

Of all assessed species, 28% of those evaluated by the IUCN are threatened with extinction as of 2023.

Statistic 33

Since 1500, at least 680 vertebrate species have been driven to extinction, with a conservative estimate.

Statistic 34

The extinction risk for birds has increased by 14% since the 1980s, affecting over 13% of all bird species.

Statistic 35

Mammals face extinction rates 276 times higher than background rates, with 25% threatened.

Statistic 36

Over 40% of amphibians are threatened with extinction, the highest of any major group.

Statistic 37

33% of sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction due to overfishing.

Statistic 38

Coral reefs have lost 14% of their cover since 2009, with 44% at risk of decline.

Statistic 39

85% of wetland species are declining globally due to habitat loss and pollution.

Statistic 40

Insect species extinction rates are 8-10 times higher than vertebrates, estimated at 25% threatened.

Statistic 41

20% of reptile species are at risk of extinction, with hotspots in Southeast Asia.

Statistic 42

Freshwater fish extinction risk is 3 times higher than terrestrial counterparts, 33% threatened.

Statistic 43

Since 1970, populations of 529 bird and mammal species have declined by 73% on average.

Statistic 44

37% of coniferous tree species are threatened globally.

Statistic 45

Over 500 plant species have gone extinct in the last 200 years, accelerating now.

Statistic 46

21% of assessed sharks are critically endangered.

Statistic 47

Global extinction rate is 100-1,000 times higher than pre-human background rates.

Statistic 48

41% of insect species in Germany are threatened, indicative of Europe-wide trends.

Statistic 49

60% of primate species are threatened with extinction.

Statistic 50

14% of vascular plants are threatened, with 39,000 species at risk.

Statistic 51

Between 1900 and 2016, 571 bird species went extinct, 9 times more than before.

Statistic 52

50% of cycad species are critically endangered.

Statistic 53

26% of marine mammals are threatened with extinction.

Statistic 54

Since 1980, 60% of assessed freshwater mollusks are extinct or threatened.

Statistic 55

35% of mangroves species face extinction risk.

Statistic 56

Global hotspots have extinction rates up to 1,000 times background.

Statistic 57

27% of assessed bees are threatened.

Statistic 58

47% of 77 turtle species are threatened.

Statistic 59

80% of insect species in tropical forests at risk.

Statistic 60

23% of conifers threatened, highest plant risk.

Statistic 61

The world has lost 83% of wild mammals since the rise of agriculture.

Statistic 62

Forests covering 31% of land area are lost at 10 million hectares per year.

Statistic 63

75% of ice-free land has been significantly altered by humans.

Statistic 64

85% of wetlands present in 1700 have been lost.

Statistic 65

50% of global coral reefs have been lost since 1950.

Statistic 66

Amazon rainforest lost 11.088 million hectares between 1985-2020.

Statistic 67

87% of wetland habitats lost in California since 1700s.

Statistic 68

35% of mangroves lost since 1980 globally.

Statistic 69

40% of global peatlands drained, emitting 5% of anthropogenic GHGs.

Statistic 70

20 million hectares of forest lost annually 2010-2020.

Statistic 71

70% of European forests fragmented by roads.

Statistic 72

90% of seagrass meadows lost in some regions.

Statistic 73

Borneo lost 30% of its forests since 1973.

Statistic 74

50% of temperate broadleaf forests converted to agriculture.

Statistic 75

77% decline in kelp forests in parts of Australia.

Statistic 76

25% of global land area used for crops/livestock.

Statistic 77

Congo Basin lost 5.6% forest cover 2001-2020.

Statistic 78

95% of tallgrass prairies in US converted.

Statistic 79

40% of global grasslands degraded.

Statistic 80

Sumatra lost 25% forests 2001-2019.

Statistic 81

60% of Mediterranean forests degraded.

Statistic 82

80% of Australian bushland cleared since 1788.

Statistic 83

33% of global savannas fragmented.

Statistic 84

50% of heathlands in Europe lost.

Statistic 85

70% of Chilean temperate rainforests logged.

Statistic 86

45% of global saltmarshes converted.

Statistic 87

Brazil lost 420,000 sq km Amazon forest 1985-2022.

Statistic 88

90% of Indonesian peat swamp forests degraded.

Statistic 89

55% of alpine meadows in Himalayas degraded.

Statistic 90

65% of US rangelands degraded by overgrazing.

Statistic 91

Plastic pollution affects 88% of marine species.

Statistic 92

8 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans yearly.

Statistic 93

80% of seabirds have ingested plastic.

Statistic 94

Nitrogen pollution threatens 86% of assessed species in Europe.

Statistic 95

Pesticides cause 40% decline in farmland birds.

Statistic 96

50% of global rivers polluted by agricultural runoff.

Statistic 97

Neonicotinoids linked to 50% bee colony losses.

Statistic 98

90% of freshwater fish exposed to pharmaceuticals.

Statistic 99

Acid rain damaged 30% of European forests.

Statistic 100

Microplastics in 60% of global bird species.

Statistic 101

Heavy metals bioaccumulate in 70% of top predators.

Statistic 102

Oil spills affect 100,000 birds annually.

Statistic 103

75% of coral reefs damaged by coastal pollution.

Statistic 104

Light pollution disorients 90% of migratory birds.

Statistic 105

60% of wetlands polluted by urban runoff.

Statistic 106

Glyphosate residues in 80% of EU streams.

Statistic 107

Noise pollution reduces whale populations by 20%.

Statistic 108

40 million tons of e-waste pollute soils yearly.

Statistic 109

PFAS chemicals in 99% of US blood samples, affecting wildlife.

Statistic 110

70% of global fisheries overexploited.

Statistic 111

Invasive species cause 60% of extinctions on islands.

Statistic 112

Bushmeat trade threatens 300 primate species.

Statistic 113

34,000 species threatened by invasive aliens.

Statistic 114

Rats cause 50% of island bird extinctions.

Statistic 115

Global living planet index shows 69% decline in populations since 1970.

Statistic 116

Insect populations in Germany declined 76% over 27 years.

Statistic 117

Freshwater populations declined 84% since 1970.

Statistic 118

Marine populations dropped 36% globally since 1970.

Statistic 119

Terrestrial populations fell 39% since 1970.

Statistic 120

North American bird populations lost 3 billion since 1970, 29% decline.

Statistic 121

Bat populations in US declined 50% in 10 years.

Statistic 122

Monarch butterfly populations fell 80% in 20 years.

Statistic 123

African elephant populations dropped 62% 2000-2016.

Statistic 124

73% decline in vulture populations in India 1990s-2000s.

Statistic 125

Salmon populations in Pacific Northwest declined 90% since 1800s.

Statistic 126

97% decline in Christmas Island forest skink.

Statistic 127

Bumblebee populations in US/UK declined 90% since 1890s.

Statistic 128

Caribbean coral reef fish populations down 60%.

Statistic 129

Tiger populations fell from 100,000 to 3,900 since 1900.

Statistic 130

68% decline in global wildlife populations 1970-2016.

Statistic 131

Saiga antelope populations crashed 95% in 1990s.

Statistic 132

Cod populations in North Sea down 75% since 1970s.

Statistic 133

50% decline in large fish populations globally.

Statistic 134

Puffin populations in Maine declined 60% since 2007.

Statistic 135

80% decline in giraffe populations since 1980.

Statistic 136

Neotropical migrant birds down 20-30% in Canada.

Statistic 137

88% decline in farmland birds in Europe since 1980.

Statistic 138

Hawaiian honeycreeper populations lost 50% since 1900.

Statistic 139

70% decline in Yangtze finless porpoise.

Statistic 140

60% drop in Antarctic krill populations.

Statistic 141

90% decline in vaquita porpoise.

Statistic 142

75% reduction in rhino populations globally.

Statistic 143

40% decline in African lion populations since 1993.

Statistic 144

65% drop in cheetah populations.

Statistic 145

82% decline in leatherback turtle nesting females.

Statistic 146

55% decline in European eel populations.

Statistic 147

Coral populations on Great Barrier Reef down 50% since 1995.

1/147

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Imagine a world where the silence of extinct species echoes louder than the million more now on the brink, a crisis documented in shocking statistics from coral reefs to rainforests.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before analyzed.
Of all assessed species, 28% of those evaluated by the IUCN are threatened with extinction as of 2023.
Since 1500, at least 680 vertebrate species have been driven to extinction, with a conservative estimate.
The world has lost 83% of wild mammals since the rise of agriculture.
Forests covering 31% of land area are lost at 10 million hectares per year.
75% of ice-free land has been significantly altered by humans.
Global living planet index shows 69% decline in populations since 1970.
Insect populations in Germany declined 76% over 27 years.
Freshwater populations declined 84% since 1970.
Ocean acidification projected to cause 20-30% decline in calcifying species by 2100.
99% of coral reefs could be lost by 2050 under high emissions.
Arctic sea ice loss threatens 70% of polar bear subpopulations.
Plastic pollution affects 88% of marine species.
8 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans yearly.
80% of seabirds have ingested plastic.

A million species face extinction due to rapid human-driven environmental destruction.

Climate Impacts

Ocean acidification projected to cause 20-30% decline in calcifying species by 2100.
99% of coral reefs could be lost by 2050 under high emissions.
Arctic sea ice loss threatens 70% of polar bear subpopulations.
50% of alpine plant species at risk from warming.
Sea level rise endangers 70% of mangroves globally.
40% of amphibian species vulnerable to climate change.
Phenological shifts causing 20% mismatch in bird migration.
30% of species at high risk of extinction from 1.5°C warming.
Tropical forest tree species turnover increased 50% due to warming.
80% of penguin colonies at risk from ice loss.
Droughts caused 25% decline in Amazon tree growth.
60% of European butterfly species shifting ranges.
Marine heatwaves killed 14 billion sea creatures in Tasmania.
50% habitat loss for koalas from climate extremes.
Permafrost thaw risks 10% of global species.
35% increase in extinction risk for Mediterranean species.
Coral bleaching events increased 5-fold since 1980s.
70% of kelp forests lost off California due to warming.
25% of fish species in tropics at risk from ocean warming.
High Arctic plants advancing 17 days earlier per decade.
40% decline in Antarctic krill from warming oceans.
55% of cloud forest species vulnerable to drying.
Sea temperature rise causing 20% decline in reef fish.
30% extinction risk for freshwater species from heat.
65% of wetlands at risk from changing hydrology.
Bird species richness declining 5.6% per 1°C warming.
50% of butterfly species unable to track warming.
75% of boreal forest at risk from fire increase.
45% decline in lizard species from heat stress.
20% of marine species shifting 10x faster than land.

Climate Impacts Interpretation

The grim ledger of our planet reads like a debt collector's notice for a life-ruining habit, tallying the imminent repossession of polar bears, penguins, koalas, and coral reefs for the unpaid bills of our atmospheric excess.

Extinction Rates

Approximately 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before analyzed.
Of all assessed species, 28% of those evaluated by the IUCN are threatened with extinction as of 2023.
Since 1500, at least 680 vertebrate species have been driven to extinction, with a conservative estimate.
The extinction risk for birds has increased by 14% since the 1980s, affecting over 13% of all bird species.
Mammals face extinction rates 276 times higher than background rates, with 25% threatened.
Over 40% of amphibians are threatened with extinction, the highest of any major group.
33% of sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction due to overfishing.
Coral reefs have lost 14% of their cover since 2009, with 44% at risk of decline.
85% of wetland species are declining globally due to habitat loss and pollution.
Insect species extinction rates are 8-10 times higher than vertebrates, estimated at 25% threatened.
20% of reptile species are at risk of extinction, with hotspots in Southeast Asia.
Freshwater fish extinction risk is 3 times higher than terrestrial counterparts, 33% threatened.
Since 1970, populations of 529 bird and mammal species have declined by 73% on average.
37% of coniferous tree species are threatened globally.
Over 500 plant species have gone extinct in the last 200 years, accelerating now.
21% of assessed sharks are critically endangered.
Global extinction rate is 100-1,000 times higher than pre-human background rates.
41% of insect species in Germany are threatened, indicative of Europe-wide trends.
60% of primate species are threatened with extinction.
14% of vascular plants are threatened, with 39,000 species at risk.
Between 1900 and 2016, 571 bird species went extinct, 9 times more than before.
50% of cycad species are critically endangered.
26% of marine mammals are threatened with extinction.
Since 1980, 60% of assessed freshwater mollusks are extinct or threatened.
35% of mangroves species face extinction risk.
Global hotspots have extinction rates up to 1,000 times background.
27% of assessed bees are threatened.
47% of 77 turtle species are threatened.
80% of insect species in tropical forests at risk.
23% of conifers threatened, highest plant risk.

Extinction Rates Interpretation

Our planet's vibrant tapestry of life is being rapidly unpicked, thread by thread, with numbers that scream a sobering truth: we are presiding over an era of staggering loss, where entire chapters of life's story are being erased on our watch.

Habitat Loss

The world has lost 83% of wild mammals since the rise of agriculture.
Forests covering 31% of land area are lost at 10 million hectares per year.
75% of ice-free land has been significantly altered by humans.
85% of wetlands present in 1700 have been lost.
50% of global coral reefs have been lost since 1950.
Amazon rainforest lost 11.088 million hectares between 1985-2020.
87% of wetland habitats lost in California since 1700s.
35% of mangroves lost since 1980 globally.
40% of global peatlands drained, emitting 5% of anthropogenic GHGs.
20 million hectares of forest lost annually 2010-2020.
70% of European forests fragmented by roads.
90% of seagrass meadows lost in some regions.
Borneo lost 30% of its forests since 1973.
50% of temperate broadleaf forests converted to agriculture.
77% decline in kelp forests in parts of Australia.
25% of global land area used for crops/livestock.
Congo Basin lost 5.6% forest cover 2001-2020.
95% of tallgrass prairies in US converted.
40% of global grasslands degraded.
Sumatra lost 25% forests 2001-2019.
60% of Mediterranean forests degraded.
80% of Australian bushland cleared since 1788.
33% of global savannas fragmented.
50% of heathlands in Europe lost.
70% of Chilean temperate rainforests logged.
45% of global saltmarshes converted.
Brazil lost 420,000 sq km Amazon forest 1985-2022.
90% of Indonesian peat swamp forests degraded.
55% of alpine meadows in Himalayas degraded.
65% of US rangelands degraded by overgrazing.

Habitat Loss Interpretation

Humanity has essentially traded the planet’s original, lavish decor—complete with forests, wetlands, and coral reefs—for a stark, minimalist style of concrete and monoculture, leaving behind a rather empty and less functional home.

Pollution and Other Threats

Plastic pollution affects 88% of marine species.
8 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans yearly.
80% of seabirds have ingested plastic.
Nitrogen pollution threatens 86% of assessed species in Europe.
Pesticides cause 40% decline in farmland birds.
50% of global rivers polluted by agricultural runoff.
Neonicotinoids linked to 50% bee colony losses.
90% of freshwater fish exposed to pharmaceuticals.
Acid rain damaged 30% of European forests.
Microplastics in 60% of global bird species.
Heavy metals bioaccumulate in 70% of top predators.
Oil spills affect 100,000 birds annually.
75% of coral reefs damaged by coastal pollution.
Light pollution disorients 90% of migratory birds.
60% of wetlands polluted by urban runoff.
Glyphosate residues in 80% of EU streams.
Noise pollution reduces whale populations by 20%.
40 million tons of e-waste pollute soils yearly.
PFAS chemicals in 99% of US blood samples, affecting wildlife.
70% of global fisheries overexploited.
Invasive species cause 60% of extinctions on islands.
Bushmeat trade threatens 300 primate species.
34,000 species threatened by invasive aliens.
Rats cause 50% of island bird extinctions.

Pollution and Other Threats Interpretation

Our planet's vibrant tapestry of life is being methodically unpicked, thread by toxic thread, as we drown, poison, and blind the very creatures with whom we share this fragile home.

Population Declines

Global living planet index shows 69% decline in populations since 1970.
Insect populations in Germany declined 76% over 27 years.
Freshwater populations declined 84% since 1970.
Marine populations dropped 36% globally since 1970.
Terrestrial populations fell 39% since 1970.
North American bird populations lost 3 billion since 1970, 29% decline.
Bat populations in US declined 50% in 10 years.
Monarch butterfly populations fell 80% in 20 years.
African elephant populations dropped 62% 2000-2016.
73% decline in vulture populations in India 1990s-2000s.
Salmon populations in Pacific Northwest declined 90% since 1800s.
97% decline in Christmas Island forest skink.
Bumblebee populations in US/UK declined 90% since 1890s.
Caribbean coral reef fish populations down 60%.
Tiger populations fell from 100,000 to 3,900 since 1900.
68% decline in global wildlife populations 1970-2016.
Saiga antelope populations crashed 95% in 1990s.
Cod populations in North Sea down 75% since 1970s.
50% decline in large fish populations globally.
Puffin populations in Maine declined 60% since 2007.
80% decline in giraffe populations since 1980.
Neotropical migrant birds down 20-30% in Canada.
88% decline in farmland birds in Europe since 1980.
Hawaiian honeycreeper populations lost 50% since 1900.
70% decline in Yangtze finless porpoise.
60% drop in Antarctic krill populations.
90% decline in vaquita porpoise.
75% reduction in rhino populations globally.
40% decline in African lion populations since 1993.
65% drop in cheetah populations.
82% decline in leatherback turtle nesting females.
55% decline in European eel populations.
Coral populations on Great Barrier Reef down 50% since 1995.

Population Declines Interpretation

The planet is quietly closing down its departments, and it appears we're all on the list for redundancy.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev