The global biomass of wild mammals
Abstract
Mammals include some of the best-known species of animals, and are icons of conservation efforts. Despite their status, there is no rigorous estimate available for their overall global biomass. We quantified absolute wild mammalian biomass and its distribution across different taxa and continents. Such data can serve as a holistic benchmark to analyze temporal trends. This quantitative global view of wildlife, when contrasted for example to the mass of humanity and its livestock, can help dispel notions about the seemingly endless ubiquity of wildlife and provide a quantitative argument for the urgency of nature conservation efforts.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2023
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2204892120
- Bibcode:
- 2023PNAS..12004892G