Study: Humans are to blame for 96 per cent of all mammal extinctions

Daily Mail

Study: Humans are to blame for 96 per cent of all mammal extinctions

Daily Mail 5/09/2020 02:53:57 Daily Mail Reporter

Humans are to blame for 96 per cent of all mammal extinctions over the past 126,000 years, a study has found.

Scientists also concluded that by the end of this century, a further 558 mammal species could be gone for ever.

Other experts believe major climatic changes associated with Ice Age cycles were the driving force behind most prehistoric extinctions.

a group of people standing in front of a crowd: Humans are to blame for 96 per cent of all mammal extinctions over the past 126,000 years, a study has found [File photo]

But study co-author Daniele Silvestro, of Gothenburg University in Sweden, said: 'We find essentially no evidence for climate-driven extinctions during the past 126,000 years.

'Instead, we found that human impact explains 96 per cent of all mammal extinctions during that time.'

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, added that human-caused climate change and other human-related threats posed a large risk for many species.

a group of ice water and a mountain in the background: Other experts believe major climatic changes associated with Ice Age cycles were the driving force behind most prehistoric extinctions. A melting glacier is seen in Antarctica

© Provided by Daily MailOther experts believe major climatic changes associated with Ice Age cycles were the driving force behind most prehistoric extinctions. A melting glacier is seen in Antarctica Read more

Video: Dr Hilary explains why COVID-19 airport testing would not solve the quarantine problem (Mirror)