A new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states that the number of animals on Earth has been reduced by more than half in the past 40 years. To be precise, populations of birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles have declined by an average of 52% since 1970.

These findings were introduced in the Living Planet Report 2014, which is the 10^th edition of WWF's biennial flagship publication. According to Sci-News, the report tracks over 10,000 vertebrate species populations from 1970 to 2010 through the Living Planet Index. Furthermore, the Index includes updated methodology that is able to accurately track global biodiversity and provide a clearer picture of the health of our natural environment.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) helped WWF to generate the report, and its scientists and professors concluded that the damage was a consequence of human lifestyles. Professor Ken Norris, ZSL's director of science, stated, "If half the animals died in London zoo next week it would be front page news...but that is happening in the great outdoors. This damage is not inevitable but a consequence of the way we choose to live."

Mike Barratt, director of science and policy at WWF, commented, "We have lost one half of the animal population, and knowing this is driven by human consumption, this is clearly a call to arms and we must act now," further conveying the urgency of protecting Earth's wildlife from development and deforestation.

A further in-depth look at the report shows that terrestrial species declined by 39% between 1970 and 2010, and that this decline shows no signs of slowing down. Freshwater species have suffered a decline of 76%, which is almost double that of land and marine species. Marine species have declined by 39%, specifically in the tropics and the Southern Ocean. These species include sharks, sea turtles, and large migratory birds. As for biodiversity as a whole, it is declining in both temperate and tropic regions, but suffers the most in tropical areas with a falling rate of 83%.

However, it is still possible for effectively managed protected areas to support wildlife. For example, intensive conservation efforts in Nepal and the Democratic Republic of Congo have greatly increased each country's respective populations of tigers and mountain gorillas. Norris commented, "Although the report shows the situation is critical, there is still hope... Protecting nature needs focused conservation action, political will, and support from businesses."

David Nussbaum, chief executive of WWF-UK, stated, "The scale of the destruction highlighted in this report should be a wake-up call for us all. But 2015 - when the countries of the world are due to come together to agree on a new global climate agreement, as well as a set of sustainable development goals- presents us with a unique opportunity to reverse the trends. We all - politicians, businesses and people - have an interest, and a responsibility, to act to ensure we protect what we all value: a healthy future for both people and nature."