The number of hedgehogs, brown hares and capercaillies have declined by 30-40% over the last few decades, according to the WWF’s Living Planet reportExternal link on the state of biodiversity loss globally.
The planet has lost 69% of its wild animal populations over the last 50 years, the report states. In Switzerland the main concern is for hedgehogs, whose numbers “have declined sharply” in the last 25 years. In the city of Zurich, for example, the WWF has counted only 900 hedgehogs, a decline of 40%.
The density of brown hares (or European hares) in Switzerland has also decreased from a population of 4.5 per 100 hectares to 2.5 per 100 hectares between 1990 and 2019. As for the capercaillie, their population plummeted 35% in Switzerland between 1990 and 2017.
The chief executive officer of WWF Switzerland, Thomas Vellacott, says it’s possible to reverse the trend if Switzerland follows measures that have been used to protect other species. For example, Switzerland has helped increase the number of bearded vultures from three in 1991 to 250 today. The number of beavers has doubled since 2008 to about 3,500.
“With more protected areas, a change in land management and more sustainable consumption, we can stop the loss of biodiversity,” said Vellacott in a press statement.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.