WWF: Monitored Wildlife Populations Fell 73% Since 1970

WWF's Living Planet Report 2026 says the average size of monitored vertebrate populations dropped 73% since 1970. It also highlights recoveries: wild tigers rose from 3,200 to about 5,700, and green sea turtles were reclassified as Least Concern, while nature-harmful spending outpaces protection 30 to one.

• The LPI covers 35,803 populations of 5,790 vertebrate species from 1970 to 2022
• Freshwater species fell 85%, with Latin America and the Caribbean down 95%
• Wild tigers grew from 3,200 in 2010 to roughly 5,700 by 2025
• Nature-harmful activities drew $7.3 trillion versus $220 billion for protection