Global wildlife populations down 73% since 1970, WWF report warns of tipping point

The 2026 Living Planet Report documents a 73% average decline in monitored vertebrate populations over 52 years, continuing a well-established trend of biodiversity loss. The report emphasizes that while nature can recover, the window for action is closing, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts. The claim is based on the WWF's comprehensive dataset, though it is an aggregate index that may mask regional and species-specific variations.