Global evaluation of current and future threats to drylands and their vertebrate biodiversity

Drylands, covering nearly half the Earth's terrestrial surface, are increasingly threatened by human activities. This study evaluated the protection status of global drylands, their vertebrate biodiversity, current threats, and projected land-use changes under different future scenarios. Drylands have lower protected area coverage (12%) than non-drylands (21%), leaving most dryland vertebrates inadequately protected. Anthropogenic factors like agricultural and infrastructure development pose significant threats. By 2100, 95-100% of current natural dryland habitats are projected to experience some land conversion, even under optimistic scenarios. The study highlights the urgent need for a systematic approach to evaluate and mitigate these threats to dryland biodiversity.

Amir Lewin, Gopal Murali, Shimon Rachmilevitch, Uri Roll