Unknown Past

Unknown Past – Unknown Changes

Biodiversity is subject to constant change. While natural change is usually slow and localised, biodiversity change caused by humans is rapid and global. Here too, the form and extent to which biodiversity has changed over the last 150 years is only known to some extent for a few animal groups, e.g. mammals, birds and butterflies. The data that is already available today shows dramatic losses in biodiversity.

However, the full extent of the changes will only become apparent when the changes of the last 150 years are analysed on the basis of collection material across various taxon groups, effective and comprehensive biodiversity monitoring is started or continued, and changes at population level are recorded and understood in addition to species change. Analyses are particularly necessary at the genetic level, as changes in the genome can reflect the susceptibility and adaptability of species.