Displaced bird species, Arctic seals on the brink of extinction—new Red List

The days of sea ice and forests are slipping away, and so do the days of countless animals.

As climate change continues to dread the world’s biodiversity, 48,646 species, including three species of arctic seals and 61% of bird species are on the verge of extinction, according to the latest update of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

The new list, released on October 10, assessed 172,620 fauna and flora species and identified the decline and recovery  of each species’ population.

No place for ice

Specifically, the conservation status of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) declined from ‘Vulnerable’ to ‘Endangered,’ while bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) are now classified as ‘Near Threatened’ after being previously listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN.

These three seal species have one habitat in common—the Arctic region.

According to a study published in Nature, the Arctic has been warming nearly four times faster than in other regions. The rapid melting of sea ice in the area has significantly reduced their breeding and resting grounds, which places their already-decreasing population at risk.

Moreover, these seals play a vital role in the Arctic food web. They serve as prey for local communities and predators such as polar bears, while feeding on fish and smaller marine organisms. A decline in their populations could disrupt the region’s ecological balance, especially within its marine environment.

Feather-less, eventually

Outside the cold region, the chirping sounds begin to fade.

From an already-dangerous 44% in 2016, the Red List reported that over 61% of bird species are now experiencing population loss. And as usual, habitat displacement is to blame. 

Cultivating lands, deforestation, and other man-made hazards contribute to the loss of bird habitats. The places where they once thrived are now disappearing, forcing many species to migrate to less suitable environments.

As per the updated list, Madagascar, West Africa, and Central America are among the regions where extreme deforestation poses a significant threat to bird populations. In these locations, a total of 22 species were uplisted to greater conservation levels to highlight their endangerment.

Like the Arctic seals and any other creature in the world, birds are important in ecosystems and for the people. They serve as pest control, seed dispersers, and other purposes that are vital for harmonious living.

A gleam of hope

While thousands of species face the threat of extinction, the list also showed stories of recovery.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) have improved their status, moving from Endangered to Least Concern. These animals, who were once the emblem for the use of paper straws, now benefit from a recovering population through the collective conservation and restoration work efforts.

Meanwhile, bird species Rodrigues warbler and Rodrigues fody have made a remarkable recovery, being listed recently as Least Concern. The birds, growing from just five to six pairs of fodies in 1968, and eight to nine pairs of warblers in 1979, have now grown into 20,000 fodies and 25,000 warblers today.

Many species face severe threats from climate change, and other human-driven factors. Even so, it is still evident that coordinated efforts can win over the fear of endangerment. 

With IUCN Red List as a guiding compass, scientists, policymakers, and even local communities will be able to track progress, set priorities, and create solutions. While the list itself serves as an essential tool, it is the combined initiatives and collaborative action that will truly determine the fate of the world’s most vulnerable species.