Sub-Saharan Africa has now lost around 25% of its pre-industrial biodiversity
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To map the biodiversity of sub-Saharan Africa, 200 specialists in African plants and animals were asked to estimate local species abundances. The results estimated that the region has on average lost 24% of its pre-colonial and pre-industrial faunal and floral population abundances, ranging from losses of <20% for disturbance-adapted herbaceous plants to 80% for some large mammals.
Sub-Saharan Africa has now lost around 25% of its pre-industrial biodiversity. This staggering loss is a result of human activities, such as deforestation, land conversion, and overexploitation of resources, which have led to the decline of many plant and animal species.
According to a recent study published in Nature, [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09781-7] between 10% and 30% of the region's biodiversity has been lost since the early 20th century. This loss is significantly higher than the global average, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Sub-Saharan Africa's unique and diverse ecosystems.
The study analyzed data from over 14,000 sites across Sub-Saharan Africa, spanning a period of nearly a century. The researchers used a standardized methodology to assess the region's biodiversity loss, taking into account factors such as habitat fragmentation, species extinctions, and changes in land use patterns.
The findings are concerning: between 1900 and 2015, the region lost around 25% of its pre-industrial biodiversity, with some areas experiencing much higher rates of loss. For example, in the Congo Basin, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, the loss rate was found to be as high as 40%.
The reasons for this biodiversity loss are complex and varied. Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development are major drivers, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Overexploitation of resources, such as logging, mining, and overfishing, also contribute to the decline of many species.
The loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences for both ecosystems and human societies. It can lead to the collapse of food chains, the loss of traditional medicines, and the degradation of ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity undermines the resilience of ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to climate change and other disturbances.
The study's authors emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Sub-Saharan Africa's biodiversity. This includes establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land use practices, and supporting local communities in their efforts to conserve biodiversity. The study highlights the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss, such as population growth and economic development, to ensure the long-term survival of Sub-Saharan Africa's unique and valuable ecosystems.
A sobering reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this region's unique and diverse ecosystems. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss and supporting local communities in their efforts to conserve biodiversity. By taking action now, we can help ensure the long-term survival of Sub-Saharan Africa's incredible biodiversity.