Threatened Afrotropical faunal realm
- Threatened Ethiopian biogeographic realm
Nature
The Threatened Afrotropical Faunal Realm encompasses the diverse animal species native to sub-Saharan Africa, many of which face significant threats due to habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. This realm is characterized by unique biodiversity, including iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses. However, rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and deforestation are leading to population declines and extinction risks. Conservation efforts are critical to preserving this rich ecological heritage, as the loss of these species not only disrupts ecosystems but also impacts local communities and global biodiversity.
Background
The Ethiopian biogeographic realm was a part of the Arctogaean faunal realm in the older system which divided the globe into three faunal realms: Neogaean (New World), Notogaean (Australasia) and Arctogaean (Old World).
Incidence
The Afrotropical faunal realm, encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, has experienced significant biodiversity loss. According to the IUCN Red List, over 1,000 vertebrate species in this region are currently threatened with extinction, including 26% of its mammal species. Habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change are primary drivers, with Madagascar alone losing nearly 44% of its forest cover between 1953 and 2014, severely impacting endemic species.
In 2016, the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) was declared functionally extinct in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, due to relentless poaching and habitat encroachment.
In 2016, the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) was declared functionally extinct in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, due to relentless poaching and habitat encroachment.
Claim
The threatened Afrotropical faunal realm is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. This rich biodiversity, home to countless unique species, faces unprecedented threats from habitat loss, climate change, and poaching. The extinction of these species not only disrupts ecosystems but also undermines the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. Protecting this realm is essential for maintaining ecological balance and preserving our planet's heritage. We must act decisively to safeguard this irreplaceable treasure for future generations.
Counter-claim
While the Afrotropical faunal realm faces challenges, prioritizing it as a critical issue distracts from more pressing global concerns like climate change and human rights. The focus should be on immediate human needs rather than distant wildlife. Many species adapt and thrive despite environmental changes, and resources spent on conservation could be better allocated to alleviate poverty and improve education. Thus, the urgency surrounding the Afrotropical faunal realm is overstated and misdirected.
Broader
Related
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Unpresentable
Language
English
1A4N
J6942
DOCID
12069420
D7NID
167605
Last update
Oct 4, 2020
Official link