WWF Living Planet Report 2026 Records a 73% Average Fall in Monitored Wildlife Populations

WWF released the Living Planet Report 2026, subtitled 'A science of hope', on 7 October 2026, reporting an average 73% decline in monitored wildlife populations over 52 years (1970-2022). The Living Planet Index, compiled by the Zoological Society of London, now tracks 35,803 population trends across 5,790 vertebrate species. Freshwater populations fell 85%, terrestrial 69% and marine 59%; by region, Latin America and the Caribbean lost 95%, Africa 80% and Asia-Pacific 49%. Habitat loss is the most reported threat, with the biodiversity finance gap at USD 942 billion a year. Recoveries in tigers, green sea turtles, southern African elephants and bluefin tuna supply the hope.