Distance of the map: There are only five countries remain & # 39; the majority of wildlife

Scientists from the University & # 39; Queensland (ARKET) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCs) first developed a global map showing countries that have wild life, untouched by industrial activity.

So much wildlife yet? The answer is small.

Studies show that, with the exception of Antarctica and the high seas, land and more than 77% 87% The oceans have been replaced & # 39; human activity. This means that now only 23% The land still can & # 39; regarded as wild and untouched.

"These results are nothing less than the history & # 39; horror associated with the last corner of the wildlife of our planet", said James Watson, a researcher at the Biodiversity Research Center and Conservation University of & # 39; Queensland.

Researchers have developed a global mapping to determine who is responsible for preserving the remaining wildlife. And the results are incredible. It turns out that 97% of the wildlife found in & # 39; less than 20 countries.

And Russia, Canada, Australia, the United States and Brazil are the five countries remain & # 39; the vast majority of wildlife These are the countries that will play a role outstanding to preserve wildlife for the future. And if this does not happen – the consequences would be hard to imagine.

These wild areas of life not only provide shelter for many species & # 39; animals and plants, but also absorb a lot of carbon dioxide. And this is an extremely important issue in the fight against climate change.

However, the preservation of & # 39; these areas will be difficult because the country will have to limit their development in infrastructure and developing large-scale mining, forestry, agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries industrial.

"The preservation of wildlife on a global scale only be ensured if these key countries to take leadership and leading by example. Currently, there is a lack of & # 39; such actions", said one of the authors of the study , vice president for global preservation WCs, primateologist John Robinson. – We have already lost so much. We understand this and take this opportunity to preserve the last remnants of wildlife long disappeared forever ".

The study authors call "international political system", which is 100 percent. protect the remaining wildlife. They also call on officials to include unprotected ecosystems in the United Nations Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and Agreement & # 39; Paris on Climate Change, and b & # 39; so protect life wild. "The loss of wildlife should be treated the same way as complete disappearance," says Watson. – The process is not idle, as the first step taken (vulnerable wildlife) And (wildlife) Miss forever. "

The research results were published in the scientific journal Nature.