World vertebrate numbers fall 58% in 42 years: WWF
Global populations of vertebrate animals have fallen by as much as 58% between 1970 and 2012, according to World Wide Fund's (WWF) annual 'Living Planet' report. Human activity including habitat loss, wildlife trade, pollution and climate change, is attributed to the decline. The report suggests that animals living in lakes, rivers and wetlands are suffering the biggest losses.