The impact of livestock on biodiversity

Abstract

According to the last report of the International Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the current rate of species extinction is unprecedented in human history and is threatening human well-being as biodiversity is the basis for essential ecosystem services such as biomass production, crop pollination, water purification or climate regulation. Reversing species decline will require mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors and landscapes. Livestock is among the sectors with highest impacts on biodiversity. As a direct impact, around 30% of land on Earth are used for pastures and feed crops, which results in modifications of biodiversity habitats. In addition, livestock production has indirect impacts on biodiversity through its contribution to climate change and pollution (e.g. nutrients, ecotoxic substances). However, an important specificity of the livestock sector is that its impacts on biodiversity can also be positive. The LEAP biodiversity principles document contains ten case studies. They show concrete examples of biodiversity assessment in the context of livestock and illustrate how the principles can be applied. They cover a wide range of livestock systems, geographical areas and assessment methods.