ELI5- how do scientists know that a particular species’ (panda, turtle, sharks, tigers) population is getting extinct?
In: Earth Science
Along with other commenters on statistical means of counting populations (pop. to area extrapolation) another method has to do with habitat loss or degradation. I mean – it’s the same kind of calculation, just different.
For example, let’s say there is a species of small mammal (like the pika) that can only thrive at a certain altitude and with a certain species of tree at that same altitude. Let’s further say that due to climate change, that altitude’s temperature is changing and the specific trees are no longer propagating or growing at the rate necessary to sustain a healthy population of pikas. Therefore, you can deduce that the pikas are in danger because their very limited critical habitat is growing smaller (without having to count pikas).
Same can be said for many marine habitats, such as coral reefs. Polar bears have similar issues, as do many bird species (especially those in rainforests). Predator cats (like mountain lions) need HUGE areas when it comes to range. If a significant portion of that range is lost, it’s a massive problem for the cats.
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