Conserving mammals

The overall global pattern of mammal diversity is similar to other taxonomic groups such as birds and amphibians, being the Andes mountain range and the Amazonas in South-America, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia among the regions with greatest number of species. Since the majority of mammal species prefer forests as their main habitat, deforestation and forest degradation are among the main reasons of mammal populations decline. The encroahment of the agricultural frontier into natural habitats, intensive pesticide use in large extensions of heavily industrialized crops, invasive species and overexploitation of hundreds of species have put at the verge of extinction approximately 22% of all mammal species. The recognition of the declining biodiversity trends and the acknowledgment of the negative effects this would bring to human well-being, have called for major efforts to implement international treaties and conventions that try to reverse the extinction trend. However far from achieving the targets, biodiversity continues in a steep decline. The positive feedback between biodiversity and well-functioning ecosystems is a key concept that underpins a long-term supply of ecosystem services on which human well-being stands. Richness of mammal species and their healthy populations have the potential to control crop pests, create micro- habitats for other beneficial organisms, increase ecosystems’ capacity to absorb carbon and offer genetic opportunities for adaptation of domesticated animals; all outstanding allies in a changing world where severe droughts, pest outbreaks and climate instability have become the new normal. Recommendations of actionable policies are given to protect mammals diversity and their contributions to ecosystem functioning and food production systems, linked to a transition to sustainable agricultural practices.