Half of world’s bird species in decline: IUCN

The majority of the world’s bird populations are now in decline, while other species have crept closer to extinction. The latest update to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List now covers 172,620 species, including 48,646 threatened with extinction. Marine mammals have been hit hard due to climate change—the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) is now considered “endangered,” and the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) and harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) are listed as “near threatened.” Climate change causes sea ice loss, which disrupts these species’ ability to breed, feed and rest. 

Additionally, overall bird populations continue to decline, with 61% of species decreasing worldwide, signaling an urgent need for conservation. Habitat loss from deforestation, agriculture and logging is the main cause.

The update also lists six species as “extinct,” including the Christmas Island shrew (Crocidura trichura), the slender-billed curlew (Numenius tenuirostris), several Australian mammals and a Hawaiian plant.

The IUCN noted some good news—the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has improved from “endangered” to “least concern” thanks to decades of conservation, including protecting nests and reducing bycatch.

The IUCN Red List update calls for stronger global conservation efforts, habitat protection, and urgent climate action to halt biodiversity loss and support species recovery worldwide.

Read more in the IUCN press release.