Biodiversity is the range of organisms on Earth, from bacteria and protozoa to fungi, flowering plants, ants, beetles, birds, fishes, mammals and large animals such as elephants and whales. Each species has its own unique characteristics that allow it to reproduce and survive. Together, species form ecosystems.
The planet’s biodiversity is an invaluable resource that we depend on for food, water, medicine and building materials. It also provides services such as regulating the climate, sequestering carbon, cleaning water and air, and stabilizing soil. The more diverse a species is, the more resilient an ecosystem is. This is because ecosystems with more species are usually better adapted to change and are more likely to survive a catastrophic event, like a disease. For example, when the American chestnut tree blight killed all the trees in one forest, the ecosystem survived because other types of trees replaced it.
Species are also integral to our religious, cultural and national identities. All major religions incorporate elements of nature, and 231 species serve as national symbols in 142 countries, including the bald eagle and American bison. Wilderness areas and protected parks around the world preserve the biodiversity of their regions.
But humans are causing biodiversity loss at an unprecedented rate. The major direct threats to biodiversity include habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable resource use, invasive species, pollution and global climate change. Those who profit from nature, such as the food, commercial forestry and ecotourism industries, must recognize that biodiversity is not a free, infinite resource and contribute to its conservation. That’s why WWF works to conserve biodiversity in all its forms by empowering local communities in Madagascar to manage their natural resources; working with companies to ensure that the paper, wood and food products they buy are sourced responsibly; and leading global efforts to stop wildlife crime.