Take Heed!
Saevus|SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.
VAITHIANATHAN KANNAN AND P.A. AZEEZ
Take Heed!

One of the infamous repercussions of human development and the consequent impacts on the natural world has been the rising rates of extinction of species far above natural levels. This has been on for millennia, and as a result, the human-caused loss of global biodiversity was already much higher than that in the pre-human civilization era. Since 1500 CE, there has been a still greater wave of extinction. The post-industrial revolution period has seen a higher extinction rate than the pre-industrial revolution period. The extinction rate is still speeding up, biodiversity is in rapid decline, crucial ecosystem processes and services are being ruined or lost, and we are heading fast through the sixth mass extinction. This apocalyptic wave is being driven primarily by mounting consumption of natural resources, globalization, human population growth, consequent changing land and sea use, pollution, and on the whole the current resource-intensive paradigm of development focusing primarily on material growth rather than people’s egalitarian welfare. It is threatening a wider range of animals and plants than the preceding human-driven extinction waves, both in water as well as on land.

Our information on which species have gone extinct since 1500 is collated in the IUCN Red List and is almost exhaustive for vertebrates, especially birds, mammals and amphibians: 711 vertebrates are known or presumed extinct since 1500, which include 181 birds, 113 mammals and 171 amphibians. We know of almost 600 extinctions each of invertebrates and plants since 1500 CE, but given limited knowledge, surveys, and assessment of conservation status, the true magnitude of the losses is certain to be far higher.

This story is from the SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24 edition of Saevus.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24 edition of Saevus.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SAEVUSView All
Staying ALIVE!
Saevus

Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

time-read
8 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Frames from the WILD
Saevus

Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
WAKE UP!
Saevus

WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Dolphin DILEMMA!
Saevus

Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Gecko Quest!
Saevus

Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

time-read
2 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Endangered EXOTICA!
Saevus

Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Mellifluous Magpie!
Saevus

Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

time-read
10+ mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
Saevus

Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

time-read
6 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24