GITNUXREPORT 2026

Biodiversity Statistics

A vast majority of Earth's species remain undiscovered, but many are critically threatened.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Protected areas cover 17% terrestrial, 8% marine surface.

Statistic 2

Reforestation: 59 million hectares planted since 2000.

Statistic 3

IUCN Red List guided 48 species de-listings as recovered.

Statistic 4

Rewilding Europe restored 3 million hectares.

Statistic 5

Global protected area expansion: 230 million hectares added 2010-2020.

Statistic 6

Community forests manage 15% of world's forests.

Statistic 7

California condor population from 22 to 537 (2020).

Statistic 8

Black-footed ferret: from near-extinct to 300+ wild.

Statistic 9

Payments for ecosystem services cover 300 million hectares.

Statistic 10

Coral reef restoration: 100,000+ corals planted globally.

Statistic 11

Przewalski's horse: from 12 to 2,000 wild.

Statistic 12

Forest Landscape Restoration pledges: 350 million hectares.

Statistic 13

Marine protected areas increased 4x since 2010 to 8%.

Statistic 14

Giant panda downgraded from endangered to vulnerable.

Statistic 15

Humpback whale population recovered to 80% pre-whaling.

Statistic 16

Indigenous territories protect 80% of biodiversity.

Statistic 17

Seed banks: Svalbard holds 1 million+ samples.

Statistic 18

American bald eagle: from 417 pairs to 316 pairs nesting (1980 to 10,000+).

Statistic 19

European bison from 54 to 7,000.

Statistic 20

Mountain gorilla: doubled to 1,000+ since 2008.

Statistic 21

Tiger reserves in India increased numbers 6% yearly.

Statistic 22

Blue carbon projects restore 100,000 hectares mangroves.

Statistic 23

Assisted migration used for 50+ species.

Statistic 24

Global Environment Facility invested $20 billion in biodiversity.

Statistic 25

Captive breeding: 500 California condors released.

Statistic 26

30x30 goal: 30% land/ocean protected by 2030.

Statistic 27

Wetland restoration: 1 million hectares in Europe.

Statistic 28

Saiga antelope: from 50,000 to 1.3 million.

Statistic 29

Coral gardening: 10,000 fragments outplanted in Florida.

Statistic 30

Forest certification: 450 million hectares FSC-certified.

Statistic 31

Translocation success: 44% for birds, 37% mammals.

Statistic 32

Seabird sanctuaries reduced declines by 50%.

Statistic 33

Since 1970, 68% average decline in monitored vertebrate populations worldwide.

Statistic 34

IUCN Red List assesses 142,577 species, with 41,415 threatened (29%).

Statistic 35

1 million animal and plant species now threatened with extinction.

Statistic 36

Amphibian species: 41% threatened, highest of any group.

Statistic 37

Coral species: 44% of reef-building corals threatened.

Statistic 38

25% of assessed conifers (52 species) critically endangered.

Statistic 39

Mammal extinction risk doubled in 20 years; 26% threatened.

Statistic 40

Bird species: 13% (1,400+) threatened with extinction.

Statistic 41

Shark and ray species: 37% threatened, up from 24% in 2014.

Statistic 42

34% of assessed cycads (304 species) critically endangered.

Statistic 43

Global freshwater fish: 1/3 species threatened.

Statistic 44

40% of cacti species threatened with extinction.

Statistic 45

21% of reptiles (10,196 assessed) threatened.

Statistic 46

33% of sharks and rays face extinction risk.

Statistic 47

50% of primates threatened, highest mammalian order.

Statistic 48

1 in 6 tree species (17,500) threatened globally.

Statistic 49

85% of assessed cetaceans threatened or near-threatened.

Statistic 50

37% of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) threatened.

Statistic 51

60% of assessed medicinal plants threatened.

Statistic 52

Vaquita porpoise: fewer than 10 individuals left.

Statistic 53

75% of oceanic sharks and rays threatened.

Statistic 54

28% of assessed marine species threatened.

Statistic 55

52% of freshwater molluscs threatened.

Statistic 56

40% of global insect species declining rapidly.

Statistic 57

70% of monitored grassland bird populations declining.

Statistic 58

90% decline in tiger populations since 1900.

Statistic 59

97% decline in vaquita since 1997.

Statistic 60

80% of insect biomass loss in German protected areas over 27 years.

Statistic 61

60% decline in North American bird populations since 1970.

Statistic 62

39% of European butterflies threatened or declining.

Statistic 63

Between 1900-2020, 73 vertebrate genera extinct.

Statistic 64

Deforestation has destroyed 420 million hectares of forest since 1990.

Statistic 65

85% of wetlands lost since 1700 globally.

Statistic 66

Amazon lost 11.88% of its forest cover since 1970 (434,000 km²).

Statistic 67

Coral reefs: 14% lost globally since 2009, projected 90% by 2050.

Statistic 68

50% of global peatlands drained or degraded.

Statistic 69

Indonesia lost 9.7 million hectares of primary forest 2002-2019.

Statistic 70

Brazil's Atlantic Forest reduced to 12% of original 1.5 million km².

Statistic 71

35% of mangroves lost since 1980 (992,000 hectares).

Statistic 72

Congo Basin lost 5.6% primary forest 2001-2022.

Statistic 73

Global grassland conversion: 70% altered by humans.

Statistic 74

Australian Great Barrier Reef: 50% live coral cover lost since 1950s.

Statistic 75

87% of Borneo's lowland forest (Sunda shelf) gone.

Statistic 76

Caribbean coral reefs: 50% live coral cover lost in 30 years.

Statistic 77

Global seagrass loss: 7% per year in some regions.

Statistic 78

80% of original tallgrass prairie in North America lost.

Statistic 79

Sumatra lost 23% primary forest 2001-2022.

Statistic 80

40% of global estuaries degraded.

Statistic 81

Madagascar lost 2% forest cover annually 2000-2012.

Statistic 82

90% of West African mangroves threatened by loss.

Statistic 83

Global dryland degradation affects 40% of land.

Statistic 84

Philippines lost 80% primary forest since 1900.

Statistic 85

30% of global kelp forests lost in recent decades.

Statistic 86

Chaco forest in Paraguay: 20% lost 2001-2020.

Statistic 87

75% of European wetlands lost since 1900.

Statistic 88

Global savanna loss: 48 million hectares since 2000.

Statistic 89

Arctic tundra: 14% shrub cover increase, but habitat shift.

Statistic 90

Over 50% of global river flow fragmented by dams.

Statistic 91

68% of primate habitat lost in last 50 years.

Statistic 92

The planet hosts an estimated 8.7 million eukaryotic species, of which about 86% remain undescribed, primarily in tropical regions.

Statistic 93

Coral reefs, covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, support 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 fish species.

Statistic 94

The Amazon rainforest contains 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish, 1,300 bird species, and 427 mammal species.

Statistic 95

Indonesia is home to 17% of the world's total number of bird species, with 1,539 species recorded.

Statistic 96

A single hectare of tropical rainforest can contain up to 700 tree species, more than the total tree species in Canada and the US combined.

Statistic 97

The world's oceans contain an estimated 2.2 million eukaryotic marine species, with only 240,000 described.

Statistic 98

Madagascar has 12,000 endemic plant species, representing 5% of the world's flora despite covering only 0.4% of land area.

Statistic 99

The Great Barrier Reef has over 1,500 fish species, 411 types of hard corals, and 4,000 mollusc species.

Statistic 100

Brazil leads with 15,000-20,000 plant species, including 40% endemics, making it the most plant-diverse country.

Statistic 101

Insect species number around 10 million globally, with beetles comprising 40% at 400,000 described species.

Statistic 102

The Congo Basin hosts 10,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and 400 mammal species.

Statistic 103

Australia has over 1,800 endemic bird species and 80% of the world's marsupials.

Statistic 104

A hectare of Costa Rican rainforest can have 200-300 tree species.

Statistic 105

Global fungal species estimated at 2.2-3.8 million, with only 120,000 described.

Statistic 106

The Sundarbans mangrove forest supports 260 bird species, 35 reptile species, and 120 fish species.

Statistic 107

Colombia has 10% of world's flora with 30,000 plant species and 1,900 bird species.

Statistic 108

Deep-sea vents host unique species like 500+ new ones discovered since 1977.

Statistic 109

New Caledonia has 3,370 endemic plant species, 75% of its flora.

Statistic 110

Global butterfly species exceed 17,500, with 20% threatened.

Statistic 111

Peruvian Andes harbor 20,000 plant species, 1/5 of world's total.

Statistic 112

Antarctic ice-free areas support 1,000+ terrestrial species despite harsh conditions.

Statistic 113

Wallace's Line separates Asian and Australasian biotas with 10,000+ island species.

Statistic 114

Global seagrass species number 72, supporting 17 fish families.

Statistic 115

Ethiopian highlands have 7,000 plant species, 800 endemics.

Statistic 116

Borneo has 15,000 plant species, 3rd most diverse after Amazon and Andes.

Statistic 117

Global bryophyte (mosses, liverworts) species at 20,000.

Statistic 118

Galapagos Islands host 180 endemic vascular plants.

Statistic 119

Global lichen species estimated 19,400 described.

Statistic 120

Hawaiian Islands have 10,000 endemic species, mostly insects.

Statistic 121

Global fern species number 12,000, hotspots in tropics.

Statistic 122

Invasive species affect 42% of endangered species.

Statistic 123

Agriculture uses 77% of global agricultural land for livestock, driving habitat loss.

Statistic 124

Plastic pollution: 14 million tons enter oceans yearly, harming 800+ marine species.

Statistic 125

Overfishing: 34.2% of fish stocks overfished in 2017.

Statistic 126

Climate change projected to commit 15-37% terrestrial species to extinction by 2050.

Statistic 127

Poaching: 35,000 African elephants killed yearly.

Statistic 128

Pesticides contribute to 40% insect decline.

Statistic 129

Urban expansion: 1.2 million km² converted 1992-2013.

Statistic 130

Illegal wildlife trade worth $7-23 billion annually.

Statistic 131

Nitrogen pollution affects 86% of coastal ecosystems.

Statistic 132

Roads fragment habitats, affecting 80% of amphibian species.

Statistic 133

Disease outbreaks: Chytrid fungus wiped out 90 species of amphibians.

Statistic 134

Mining: 180,000 hectares deforested yearly in Amazon.

Statistic 135

Light pollution affects 30% of vertebrates and 60% of invertebrates.

Statistic 136

Oil spills: Deepwater Horizon killed 100,000+ marine mammals/birds.

Statistic 137

Water extraction: 41% of global rivers altered by dams.

Statistic 138

Bushmeat trade: 5 million tons consumed yearly in Africa.

Statistic 139

Ocean acidification threatens 25% of marine species.

Statistic 140

Soy expansion drove 80% of Cerrado deforestation.

Statistic 141

Palm oil: 8 million hectares planted, replacing forests.

Statistic 142

Fast fashion pollutes with 20% global wastewater.

Statistic 143

Biofuel production caused 5% global cropland expansion.

Statistic 144

Trophy hunting: 200 lions, 600 elephants killed yearly legally.

Statistic 145

Microplastics ingested by 90% of seabirds.

Statistic 146

Acid rain damages 30% of forests in Europe.

Statistic 147

Ghost fishing: 640,000 tons gear lost yearly, killing millions.

1/147

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Imagine a world where we have named fewer species than we have left undiscovered, yet we are simultaneously losing them at an alarming rate—a world where the vibrant tapestry of life, from the countless unknown creatures in the deep sea to the majestic tigers clinging to survival, is unraveling before we even fully understand it.

Key Takeaways

The planet hosts an estimated 8.7 million eukaryotic species, of which about 86% remain undescribed, primarily in tropical regions.
Coral reefs, covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, support 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 fish species.
The Amazon rainforest contains 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish, 1,300 bird species, and 427 mammal species.
Since 1970, 68% average decline in monitored vertebrate populations worldwide.
IUCN Red List assesses 142,577 species, with 41,415 threatened (29%).
1 million animal and plant species now threatened with extinction.
Deforestation has destroyed 420 million hectares of forest since 1990.
85% of wetlands lost since 1700 globally.
Amazon lost 11.88% of its forest cover since 1970 (434,000 km²).
Invasive species affect 42% of endangered species.
Agriculture uses 77% of global agricultural land for livestock, driving habitat loss.
Plastic pollution: 14 million tons enter oceans yearly, harming 800+ marine species.
Protected areas cover 17% terrestrial, 8% marine surface.
Reforestation: 59 million hectares planted since 2000.
IUCN Red List guided 48 species de-listings as recovered.

A vast majority of Earth's species remain undiscovered, but many are critically threatened.

Conservation

Protected areas cover 17% terrestrial, 8% marine surface.
Reforestation: 59 million hectares planted since 2000.
IUCN Red List guided 48 species de-listings as recovered.
Rewilding Europe restored 3 million hectares.
Global protected area expansion: 230 million hectares added 2010-2020.
Community forests manage 15% of world's forests.
California condor population from 22 to 537 (2020).
Black-footed ferret: from near-extinct to 300+ wild.
Payments for ecosystem services cover 300 million hectares.
Coral reef restoration: 100,000+ corals planted globally.
Przewalski's horse: from 12 to 2,000 wild.
Forest Landscape Restoration pledges: 350 million hectares.
Marine protected areas increased 4x since 2010 to 8%.
Giant panda downgraded from endangered to vulnerable.
Humpback whale population recovered to 80% pre-whaling.
Indigenous territories protect 80% of biodiversity.
Seed banks: Svalbard holds 1 million+ samples.
American bald eagle: from 417 pairs to 316 pairs nesting (1980 to 10,000+).
European bison from 54 to 7,000.
Mountain gorilla: doubled to 1,000+ since 2008.
Tiger reserves in India increased numbers 6% yearly.
Blue carbon projects restore 100,000 hectares mangroves.
Assisted migration used for 50+ species.
Global Environment Facility invested $20 billion in biodiversity.
Captive breeding: 500 California condors released.
30x30 goal: 30% land/ocean protected by 2030.
Wetland restoration: 1 million hectares in Europe.
Saiga antelope: from 50,000 to 1.3 million.
Coral gardening: 10,000 fragments outplanted in Florida.
Forest certification: 450 million hectares FSC-certified.
Translocation success: 44% for birds, 37% mammals.
Seabird sanctuaries reduced declines by 50%.

Conservation Interpretation

We’re learning to stitch the planet back together, patch by protected patch and species by species, but that needle and thread only work if we keep pushing it steadily through the fabric of our commitment.

Extinction Risks

Since 1970, 68% average decline in monitored vertebrate populations worldwide.
IUCN Red List assesses 142,577 species, with 41,415 threatened (29%).
1 million animal and plant species now threatened with extinction.
Amphibian species: 41% threatened, highest of any group.
Coral species: 44% of reef-building corals threatened.
25% of assessed conifers (52 species) critically endangered.
Mammal extinction risk doubled in 20 years; 26% threatened.
Bird species: 13% (1,400+) threatened with extinction.
Shark and ray species: 37% threatened, up from 24% in 2014.
34% of assessed cycads (304 species) critically endangered.
Global freshwater fish: 1/3 species threatened.
40% of cacti species threatened with extinction.
21% of reptiles (10,196 assessed) threatened.
33% of sharks and rays face extinction risk.
50% of primates threatened, highest mammalian order.
1 in 6 tree species (17,500) threatened globally.
85% of assessed cetaceans threatened or near-threatened.
37% of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) threatened.
60% of assessed medicinal plants threatened.
Vaquita porpoise: fewer than 10 individuals left.
75% of oceanic sharks and rays threatened.
28% of assessed marine species threatened.
52% of freshwater molluscs threatened.
40% of global insect species declining rapidly.
70% of monitored grassland bird populations declining.
90% decline in tiger populations since 1900.
97% decline in vaquita since 1997.
80% of insect biomass loss in German protected areas over 27 years.
60% decline in North American bird populations since 1970.
39% of European butterflies threatened or declining.
Between 1900-2020, 73 vertebrate genera extinct.

Extinction Risks Interpretation

The numbers paint a grim portrait: we are methodically dismantling the very fabric of life on Earth, thread by thread, from the last vaquita to the vanishing insects beneath our feet.

Habitat Loss

Deforestation has destroyed 420 million hectares of forest since 1990.
85% of wetlands lost since 1700 globally.
Amazon lost 11.88% of its forest cover since 1970 (434,000 km²).
Coral reefs: 14% lost globally since 2009, projected 90% by 2050.
50% of global peatlands drained or degraded.
Indonesia lost 9.7 million hectares of primary forest 2002-2019.
Brazil's Atlantic Forest reduced to 12% of original 1.5 million km².
35% of mangroves lost since 1980 (992,000 hectares).
Congo Basin lost 5.6% primary forest 2001-2022.
Global grassland conversion: 70% altered by humans.
Australian Great Barrier Reef: 50% live coral cover lost since 1950s.
87% of Borneo's lowland forest (Sunda shelf) gone.
Caribbean coral reefs: 50% live coral cover lost in 30 years.
Global seagrass loss: 7% per year in some regions.
80% of original tallgrass prairie in North America lost.
Sumatra lost 23% primary forest 2001-2022.
40% of global estuaries degraded.
Madagascar lost 2% forest cover annually 2000-2012.
90% of West African mangroves threatened by loss.
Global dryland degradation affects 40% of land.
Philippines lost 80% primary forest since 1900.
30% of global kelp forests lost in recent decades.
Chaco forest in Paraguay: 20% lost 2001-2020.
75% of European wetlands lost since 1900.
Global savanna loss: 48 million hectares since 2000.
Arctic tundra: 14% shrub cover increase, but habitat shift.
Over 50% of global river flow fragmented by dams.
68% of primate habitat lost in last 50 years.

Habitat Loss Interpretation

These statistics are not a ledger of loss but a receipt from a global clearance sale where nature was the only thing not on discount.

Species Diversity

The planet hosts an estimated 8.7 million eukaryotic species, of which about 86% remain undescribed, primarily in tropical regions.
Coral reefs, covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, support 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 fish species.
The Amazon rainforest contains 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish, 1,300 bird species, and 427 mammal species.
Indonesia is home to 17% of the world's total number of bird species, with 1,539 species recorded.
A single hectare of tropical rainforest can contain up to 700 tree species, more than the total tree species in Canada and the US combined.
The world's oceans contain an estimated 2.2 million eukaryotic marine species, with only 240,000 described.
Madagascar has 12,000 endemic plant species, representing 5% of the world's flora despite covering only 0.4% of land area.
The Great Barrier Reef has over 1,500 fish species, 411 types of hard corals, and 4,000 mollusc species.
Brazil leads with 15,000-20,000 plant species, including 40% endemics, making it the most plant-diverse country.
Insect species number around 10 million globally, with beetles comprising 40% at 400,000 described species.
The Congo Basin hosts 10,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and 400 mammal species.
Australia has over 1,800 endemic bird species and 80% of the world's marsupials.
A hectare of Costa Rican rainforest can have 200-300 tree species.
Global fungal species estimated at 2.2-3.8 million, with only 120,000 described.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest supports 260 bird species, 35 reptile species, and 120 fish species.
Colombia has 10% of world's flora with 30,000 plant species and 1,900 bird species.
Deep-sea vents host unique species like 500+ new ones discovered since 1977.
New Caledonia has 3,370 endemic plant species, 75% of its flora.
Global butterfly species exceed 17,500, with 20% threatened.
Peruvian Andes harbor 20,000 plant species, 1/5 of world's total.
Antarctic ice-free areas support 1,000+ terrestrial species despite harsh conditions.
Wallace's Line separates Asian and Australasian biotas with 10,000+ island species.
Global seagrass species number 72, supporting 17 fish families.
Ethiopian highlands have 7,000 plant species, 800 endemics.
Borneo has 15,000 plant species, 3rd most diverse after Amazon and Andes.
Global bryophyte (mosses, liverworts) species at 20,000.
Galapagos Islands host 180 endemic vascular plants.
Global lichen species estimated 19,400 described.
Hawaiian Islands have 10,000 endemic species, mostly insects.
Global fern species number 12,000, hotspots in tropics.

Species Diversity Interpretation

Nature has shown us the ultimate 'quality over quantity' business model, where its smallest, most precious real estate—from coral reefs to rainforest floors—holds the majority of life's portfolio, a masterpiece we're still mostly just guessing is there.

Threats

Invasive species affect 42% of endangered species.
Agriculture uses 77% of global agricultural land for livestock, driving habitat loss.
Plastic pollution: 14 million tons enter oceans yearly, harming 800+ marine species.
Overfishing: 34.2% of fish stocks overfished in 2017.
Climate change projected to commit 15-37% terrestrial species to extinction by 2050.
Poaching: 35,000 African elephants killed yearly.
Pesticides contribute to 40% insect decline.
Urban expansion: 1.2 million km² converted 1992-2013.
Illegal wildlife trade worth $7-23 billion annually.
Nitrogen pollution affects 86% of coastal ecosystems.
Roads fragment habitats, affecting 80% of amphibian species.
Disease outbreaks: Chytrid fungus wiped out 90 species of amphibians.
Mining: 180,000 hectares deforested yearly in Amazon.
Light pollution affects 30% of vertebrates and 60% of invertebrates.
Oil spills: Deepwater Horizon killed 100,000+ marine mammals/birds.
Water extraction: 41% of global rivers altered by dams.
Bushmeat trade: 5 million tons consumed yearly in Africa.
Ocean acidification threatens 25% of marine species.
Soy expansion drove 80% of Cerrado deforestation.
Palm oil: 8 million hectares planted, replacing forests.
Fast fashion pollutes with 20% global wastewater.
Biofuel production caused 5% global cropland expansion.
Trophy hunting: 200 lions, 600 elephants killed yearly legally.
Microplastics ingested by 90% of seabirds.
Acid rain damages 30% of forests in Europe.
Ghost fishing: 640,000 tons gear lost yearly, killing millions.

Threats Interpretation

The relentless human portfolio, from our farms and factories to our fashion and fuel, has diversified its destructive assets so thoroughly that it now holds a controlling stake in the demise of the natural world.

Sources & References

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