Threatened Neotropical faunal region
- Threatened Neotropical biogeographic realm
Nature
The threatened Neotropical faunal region refers to the escalating risk of extinction faced by animal species in the Neotropics, a biogeographic region encompassing Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Mexico. This crisis is driven by habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade. Iconic species such as jaguars, macaws, and amphibians are particularly vulnerable. The decline in biodiversity disrupts ecosystem services, undermines indigenous livelihoods, and threatens global ecological stability. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to address these threats and preserve the region’s unique and irreplaceable wildlife heritage.
Background
The Neotropical biogeographic realm is equivalent to the Neogaean 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 Neotropical faunal region, encompassing South and Central America, the Caribbean, and southern Mexico, is experiencing alarming rates of biodiversity loss. Habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change have led to significant declines in endemic species, with over 40% of amphibians and 20% of mammals in the region now threatened with extinction. This crisis undermines global biodiversity and ecosystem services, making it a matter of international concern.
In 2022, the Brazilian Amazon saw a record loss of 13,235 square kilometers of rainforest, directly impacting jaguar, giant otter, and harpy eagle populations. This deforestation surge intensified species vulnerability and ecosystem fragmentation.
In 2022, the Brazilian Amazon saw a record loss of 13,235 square kilometers of rainforest, directly impacting jaguar, giant otter, and harpy eagle populations. This deforestation surge intensified species vulnerability and ecosystem fragmentation.
Claim
The threatened Neotropical faunal region is a crisis demanding urgent global attention. Home to unparalleled biodiversity, its destruction through deforestation, climate change, and exploitation is catastrophic—not just for wildlife, but for humanity’s future. Ignoring this devastation means losing irreplaceable species, destabilizing ecosystems, and undermining vital resources. We cannot afford complacency; immediate, decisive action is essential to preserve this irreplaceable natural heritage before it’s lost forever.
Counter-claim
Concerns about the threatened Neotropical faunal region are vastly overstated. Nature has always adapted to change, and species extinction is a natural process. Human needs and economic development should take precedence over preserving every animal or plant. Resources spent on conservation could be better used elsewhere, as the loss of some species in the Neotropics will not significantly impact global ecosystems or human well-being. This issue is simply not a pressing problem.
Broader
Related
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
- Climatology » Tropical zones » Tropical zones
- Societal problems » Vulnerability
Content quality
Unpresentable
Language
English
1A4N
J6817
DOCID
12068170
D7NID
133993
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Oct 4, 2020