Common Species Mirror Rare Animals’ Response to Global Change

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The populations of common animals are just as likely to rise or fall in number in a time of accelerating global change as those of rare species, a study suggests.

The populations of common animals are just as likely to rise or fall in number in a time of accelerating global change as those of rare species, a study suggests.

A study of more than 2,000 species reveals animal populations around the world – from the very common to endangered species – are going up and down as global change alters land, sea and freshwater ecosystems.

The findings highlight a need to look beyond only rare species in order to improve efforts to conserve global biodiversity, scientists say.

Critically endangered animals – such as the Hawksbill sea turtle – were previously thought to be at greater risk of decline than common species like red deer, but the study found a wide spectrum of changes in animal numbers.

Read more at University of Edinburgh

Image: Northern Gannet. (Credit: Gergana Daskalova, University of Edinburgh)