---
title: Biodiversity Loss in Numbers: the World, Japan and Saga, and 30x30 Progress by Country | Karatsu Data Bank
url: https://karatsu-f-f.com/en/biodiversity-data.html
lang: en
published: 2026-10-28
modified: 2026-10-28
author: Hiroaki Kojima (Karatsu Farm & Food)
---

# Biodiversity in Numbers The world, Japan and Saga, and 30x30 progress by country

- **Average change in monitored wildlife populations**: −73% (1970–2020, about 35,000 populations (Living Planet Report 2024))
- **Species threatened with extinction**: ~1 million (many within decades without action (IPBES Global Assessment 2019))
- **Protected areas and OECMs worldwide**: Land 18.69% (Ocean 10.04%, October 2026 (Protected Planet))

## Biodiversity and 30x30, in numbers

Between 1970 and 2020, the average size of monitored wildlife populations fell by 73% ([WWF and ZSL, Living Planet Report 2024](https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/living-planet-report-2024.pdf)). Around 1 million species already face extinction, many within decades unless action is taken to reduce the drivers of biodiversity loss ([IPBES, 2019](https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf)). Against the goal of conserving 30% of land and sea by 2030 (30x30), protected areas and OECMs covered 18.69% of land and 10.04% of the ocean in October 2026 ([Protected Planet](https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/global_statistics_download)). This page sets out the state of biodiversity and 30x30 progress using figures from international bodies, the Japanese government and Saga Prefecture.

This page is part of the Karatsu Data Bank, compiled by Karatsu Farm & Food, a nonprofit in Karatsu, Saga, Japan, that manages a nature symbiosis site (OECM), runs plastic recycling and teaches environmental education. We add no conclusions or judgements; we only set out figures and statements from the sources. Threatened species are given as counts only, without species names. Detailed figures for Japan's protected areas and nature symbiosis sites are on [Biodiversity Data for COP17](https://karatsu-f-f.com/en/cop17-data.html).

## Wildlife populations (Living Planet Index)

According to the Living Planet Report 2024 by WWF and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the average size of monitored wildlife populations fell by 73% between 1970 and 2020. The index covers about 35,000 populations of 5,495 species of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles ([Living Planet Report 2024](https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/living-planet-report-2024.pdf)).

| Group | Average change in population size, 1970–2020 |
|---|---|
| World (all) | −73% |
| Freshwater | −85% |
| Terrestrial | −69% |
| Marine | −56% |
| Latin America and the Caribbean | −95% |
| Africa | −76% |
| Asia and the Pacific | −60% |
| North America | −39% |
| Europe and Central Asia | −35% |

Living Planet Index: the average change in the size of about 35,000 monitored populations of 5,495 species of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. It is not a change in the number of species. Source: [WWF and Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Living Planet Report 2024 (October 2024)](https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/living-planet-report-2024.pdf)

By system, freshwater populations fell by 85%, terrestrial by 69% and marine by 56%. By region, the largest decline was in Latin America and the Caribbean (95%), followed by Africa (76%), Asia and the Pacific (60%), North America (39%) and Europe and Central Asia (35%).

## Land, ocean and wetland change, and extinction risk (IPBES 2019)

The IPBES Global Assessment (2019) found that 75% of land has been significantly altered by human actions, 66% of the ocean is experiencing increasing cumulative impacts, and over 85% of wetland area has been lost. Of an estimated 8 million animal and plant species, around 1 million are threatened with extinction, many within decades unless action is taken to reduce the drivers of biodiversity loss ([IPBES](https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf)).

| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Land area significantly altered by human actions | 75% |
| Ocean area experiencing increasing cumulative impacts | 66% |
| Wetland area lost | over 85% |
| Species threatened with extinction | around 1 million |

Source: [IPBES, Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Summary for Policymakers (2019)](https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf)

## Red lists (IUCN and Japan)

The IUCN Red List (Version 2026-1) has assessed 175,909 species, of which more than 49,500 are threatened with extinction ([IUCN](https://www.iucnredlist.org/)).

| List | Value | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Species assessed on the IUCN Red List | 175,909 | Version 2026-1 |
| Threatened species on the IUCN Red List | more than 49,500 | Version 2026-1 |
| Threatened species on Japan's Ministry of the Environment red lists | 3,587 | end of March 2026 |
| Species listed in Japan's 5th red list (plants and fungi, 5 groups) | 2,952 | March 2025 |
| of which threatened | 2,063 | March 2025 |
| Threatened birds, 5th red list | 108 | March 2026 |
| Threatened reptiles and amphibians, 5th red list | 96 | March 2026 |

IUCN figures as shown on the Red List home page. Japan's 3,587 reflects the 5th red lists for plants and fungi (March 2025) and for birds, reptiles and amphibians (March 2026). Sources: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/), [Ministry of the Environment, Annual Report on the Environment 2026 (in Japanese)](https://www.env.go.jp/policy/hakusyo/r08/html/hj26020205.html), [Ministry of the Environment press release, 5th red list for plants and fungi, March 2025 (in Japanese)](https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_04578.html)

In Japan, 3,587 species are listed as threatened on the Ministry of the Environment red lists (as of the end of March 2026, [Annual Report on the Environment 2026](https://www.env.go.jp/policy/hakusyo/r08/html/hj26020205.html)). The 5th red list for plants and fungi (March 2025) lists 2,952 species in five groups, of which 2,063 are threatened. This is 207 fewer than the 2,270 in the 4th list; the ministry says this is due to changes in assessment criteria and other factors ([Ministry of the Environment](https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_04578.html)). In the 5th lists, 108 birds and 96 reptiles and amphibians are threatened.

## Japan Biodiversity Outlook 3 (JBO3)

Japan Biodiversity Outlook 3 (2021) finds that Japan's biodiversity and ecosystem services have been on a long-term trend of loss and degradation over the past 50 years. In the 4th red list (5th revision), 88% of assessed amphibians, 61% of brackish and freshwater fish, 57% of reptiles, 39% of mammals, 31% of vascular plants and 22% of birds were classed as extinct or threatened. The marine red list (2017) includes more than 200 threatened and near-threatened species ([JBO3](https://www.env.go.jp/content/900517171.pdf)).

| Group (species assessed) | Extinct or threatened |
|---|---|
| Mammals | 39% |
| Birds | 22% |
| Reptiles | 57% |
| Amphibians | 88% |
| Brackish and freshwater fish | 61% |
| Vascular plants | 31% |

Share of assessed species classed as extinct or threatened in Japan's 4th red list (5th revision). Source: [Ministry of the Environment, Japan Biodiversity Outlook 3 (JBO3, 2021, in Japanese)](https://www.env.go.jp/content/900517171.pdf)

## Saga Prefecture red list

As of August 2023, the Saga Prefecture red list includes 931 species: 54 extinct, 316 in Category I (critically endangered and endangered), 235 in Category II (vulnerable), 232 near threatened, 89 data deficient and 5 threatened local populations ([Saga Prefecture](https://www.pref.saga.lg.jp/kiji00314125/index.html)). By group, they include 441 seed plants, 203 insects and spiders, 64 molluscs, crustaceans and others, 58 birds and 47 brackish and freshwater fish.

| Category | Species |
|---|---|
| Extinct | 54 |
| Critically endangered and endangered (Category I) | 316 |
| Vulnerable (Category II) | 235 |
| Near threatened | 232 |
| Data deficient | 89 |
| Threatened local populations | 5 |
| Total | 931 |

Species on the Saga Prefecture red list (as of August 2023). We checked that the categories add up to 931. Source: [Saga Prefecture, Saga Prefecture Red List (updated 20 June 2024, in Japanese)](https://www.pref.saga.lg.jp/kiji00314125/index.html)

## Invasive alien species (IPBES 2023 and Japan)

The IPBES assessment of invasive alien species (2023) counts more than 37,000 established alien species worldwide, of which more than 3,500 are invasive. Their economic cost exceeded US$423 billion a year in 2019 and has at least quadrupled every decade since 1970. Invasive alien species were a major factor in 60% of recorded plant and animal extinctions and the only driver in 16% ([IPBES](https://www.ipbes.net/IASmediarelease)). In Japan, 162 types (7 families, 14 genera, 4 species groups, 127 species and 10 hybrids) were designated as invasive alien species under the Invasive Alien Species Act as of March 2026 ([Annual Report on the Environment 2026](https://www.env.go.jp/policy/hakusyo/r08/html/hj26020205.html)).

| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Established alien species (world) | more than 37,000 |
| of which invasive | more than 3,500 |
| Economic cost of invasive alien species (2019) | over US$423 billion a year |
| Recorded plant and animal extinctions where invasive species were a major factor | 60% |
| Recorded extinctions where they were the only driver | 16% |
| Invasive alien species designated under Japan's law (March 2026) | 162 types |

The economic cost has at least quadrupled every decade since 1970. Japan's 162 types are 7 families, 14 genera, 4 species groups, 127 species and 10 hybrids. Sources: [IPBES, Invasive Alien Species Assessment press release (2023)](https://www.ipbes.net/IASmediarelease), [Ministry of the Environment, Annual Report on the Environment 2026 (in Japanese)](https://www.env.go.jp/policy/hakusyo/r08/html/hj26020205.html)

## 30x30 progress worldwide

30x30 is the goal of conserving at least 30% of land and inland waters and 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030. It is Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) ([Convention on Biological Diversity](https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/3)). Two kinds of area count towards it: protected areas such as national parks, and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) (places outside protected areas that deliver long-term biodiversity conservation).

| Item | Land | Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Protected areas and OECMs (October 2026) | 18.69% | 10.04% |
| Protected areas only (October 2026) | 17.58% | 9.82% |
| Protected Planet Report 2024 (data as of August 2024) | 17.6% | 8.44% |

In October 2026, coverage was 23.32% of areas within national jurisdiction and 1.66% of the high seas. There were 506,250 protected areas and 7,749 OECMs (7,510 on land and 239 at sea, in 18 countries and territories). Sources: [Protected Planet global statistics](https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/global_statistics_download), [Protected Planet October 2026 release news](https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/monthly-release-news/october-2026), [UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, Protected Planet Report 2024](https://digitalreport.protectedplanet.net/)

Protected Planet, run by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and IUCN, is the global database for both. Its October 2026 global statistics show protected areas and OECMs together covering 18.69% of land and 10.04% of the ocean. Protected areas alone cover 17.58% of land and 9.82% of the ocean. In the ocean, coverage is 23.32% of waters within national jurisdiction and 1.66% of the high seas ([Protected Planet](https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/global_statistics_download)).

The database lists 506,250 protected areas and 7,749 OECMs, of which 7,510 are on land and 239 at sea, reported by 18 countries and territories ([Protected Planet, October 2026](https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/monthly-release-news/october-2026)).

The Protected Planet Report 2024, based on data as of August 2024, put coverage at 17.6% of land and 8.44% of the ocean, with 6,464 OECMs. At that time, 51 countries and territories had passed 30% on land and 31 had passed 30% at sea ([Protected Planet Report 2024](https://digitalreport.protectedplanet.net/)).

## 30x30 progress by country

We compared protected area and OECM coverage for ten countries on the Protected Planet country pages. On land, Germany has the highest share at 39.21%, followed by Japan (29.92%), France (28.84%) and the United Kingdom (28.63%). At sea, France (49.27%), the United Kingdom (46.76%), Australia (45.99%) and Germany (45.33%) are above 40%. The Republic of Korea is at 2.59% and China at 4.82% at sea.

| Country | Land | Sea | For reference: national report figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 39.21% | 45.33% | - |
| Japan | 29.92% (protected areas only 29.75%) | 13.79% | land 20.3%, sea 8.3% |
| France | 28.84% | 49.27% | land 29.5%, sea 22.91% |
| United Kingdom | 28.63% | 46.76% | land 28.0%, sea 24.0% |
| Australia | 24.69% | 45.99% | land 16.25%, sea 36.2% |
| Italy | 21.54% | 10.97% | land 21.0%, sea 19.1% |
| Republic of Korea | 18.53% | 2.59% | land 11.57%, sea 1.4% |
| China | 15.62% | 4.82% | land 14.86% |
| Canada | 13.89% | 15.56% | land 10.5%, sea 7.7% |
| United States | 12.95% | 19.02% | - |

Figures from the Protected Planet country pages (October 2026 public data): protected areas and OECMs combined, or protected areas only for countries with no OECMs reported. Sorted by land coverage. "National report figures" are the countries' own reported values shown on the same page. We also checked Japan's values on the page as displayed (28 October 2026). Source: [Protected Planet country page (Japan)](https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/JPN) and the other country pages

The country pages also show each country's own reported values, which we list for reference. For Australia, for example, the Protected Planet land figure is 24.69% against 16.25% in the national report; for the Republic of Korea, 18.53% against 11.57%.

Japan's land figure also differs between sources. The Protected Planet country page gives 29.92% (29.75% for protected areas alone) and 13.79% at sea ([Protected Planet](https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/JPN)). Japan's Ministry of the Environment gives 21.0% on land, of which OECMs are 0.2%, and 13.3% at sea ([Ministry of the Environment, 3 August 2026, in Japanese](https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05386.html)).

## Japan's nature symbiosis sites

Japan's Ministry of the Environment certifies places where private or community efforts conserve biodiversity as "nature symbiosis sites" (shizen kyosei sites). With 56 sites certified in the first round of fiscal 2026, the total reached 610 ([Ministry of the Environment, 30 June 2026, in Japanese](https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05186.html)). Japan's OECM area and how it has grown are on [Biodiversity Data for COP17](https://karatsu-f-f.com/en/cop17-data.html).

![A student strapping a sensor camera to a tree trunk in the forest](https://karatsu-f-f.com/assets/img/biodiversity-data-camera-setup.jpg)

A Saga University student fitting a sensor camera during the first survey at Yokomakura (7 August 2026)

## Surveys at Yokomakura, Karatsu

The Ouchi Town Yokomakura Natural Symbiosis Area (36.67 ha) in Ouchi-cho, Karatsu, is a satoyama landscape that our organisation looks after with local residents. It was the first site in Saga Prefecture to be certified as a nature symbiosis site by the Ministry of the Environment, and it is registered on Protected Planet as an OECM ([ID 555781451, status year 2024](https://www.protectedplanet.net/555781451)). The species list from the 2024 surveys includes about 140 common species (a provisional figure still being checked).

![Many river fish in a black basket](https://karatsu-f-f.com/assets/img/biodiversity-data-ayu.jpg)

Fish netted at the weir during the second survey at Yokomakura (4 October 2026)

In 2026, with Professor Makoto Tokuda of Saga University and students from his laboratory, we started biodiversity monitoring. In the first survey on 7 August we set up infrared sensor cameras. The second, on 4 October, was held with the Yokomakura weir festival: four Saga University students surveyed life in the weir and counted more than 50 ayu (sweetfish). The third survey is planned for late November. Survey reports are on [our nature positive page](https://karatsu-f-f.com/en/nature-positive.html).

## Sensor camera records (13)

Professor Tokuda's laboratory at Saga University tabulated the records from the Yokomakura sensor cameras. From 12 August to 17 September 2026 there were 13 records: 9 of wild boar (including adults with young and striped piglets), 3 of birds and 1 of an insect. One of the bird records is a Japanese tit; the other two have not been identified to species.

![A wild boar walking across leaf litter on the forest floor](https://karatsu-f-f.com/assets/img/biodiversity-data-camera.jpg)

A wild boar on a Yokomakura sensor camera (9 September 2026, 6:35 am)

| Recorded | Records | Notes in the record sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Wild boar | 9 | including adults with young and piglets |
| Birds | 3 | Japanese tit 1, not identified to species 2 |
| Insect | 1 | not identified to species |
| Total | 13 | 12 August to 17 September 2026 |

The record sheet also gives the date, time and temperature of each record. Source: Yokomakura sensor camera record sheet compiled by Professor Makoto Tokuda's laboratory, Saga University (October 2026, sent to Karatsu Farm & Food)

## Frequently asked questions

### Q1. How much have wildlife populations declined worldwide?

According to WWF and ZSL's Living Planet Report 2024, the average size of monitored wildlife populations fell by 73% between 1970 and 2020, based on about 35,000 populations of 5,495 species.

### Q2. What is 30x30?

30x30 is the goal of conserving at least 30% of land and inland waters and 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030. It is Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Protected areas and OECMs count towards it.

### Q3. How far has the world got towards 30x30?

Protected Planet's October 2026 global statistics show protected areas and OECMs covering 18.69% of land and 10.04% of the ocean.

### Q4. Which countries have the highest protected area coverage?

Among the ten countries compared on this page, Germany has the highest land coverage (39.21%) and France the highest sea coverage (49.27%), according to Protected Planet country pages (October 2026).

### Q5. What share of Japan is protected?

The Protected Planet country page gives 29.92% of land and 13.79% of the sea. Japan's Ministry of the Environment gives 21.0% of land and 13.3% of the sea (3 August 2026). The figures differ between sources.

### Q6. How many threatened species does Japan have?

3,587 species are listed as threatened on the Ministry of the Environment red lists (end of March 2026, Annual Report on the Environment 2026).

### Q7. How many nature symbiosis sites does Japan have?

Japan's Ministry of the Environment had certified 610 nature symbiosis sites as of 30 June 2026.

## Source ledger

| Document | Publisher | Date | URL | Accessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Planet Report 2024 | WWF and Zoological Society of London (ZSL) | 2024-10 | https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-10/living-planet-report-2024.pdf | 2026-10-28 |
| Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Summary for Policymakers | IPBES | 2019 | https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf | 2026-10-28 |
| Invasive Alien Species Assessment, press release | IPBES | 2023 | https://www.ipbes.net/IASmediarelease | 2026-10-28 |
| IUCN Red List (Version 2026-1, home page) | IUCN | - | https://www.iucnredlist.org/ | 2026-10-28 |
| Annual Report on the Environment 2026, Part 2 Chapter 2 Section 5 (Japanese) | Ministry of the Environment, Japan | 2026 | https://www.env.go.jp/policy/hakusyo/r08/html/hj26020205.html | 2026-10-28 |
| 5th red list for plants and fungi (Japanese) | Ministry of the Environment, Japan | 2025-03 | https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_04578.html | 2026-10-28 |
| Japan Biodiversity Outlook 3 (JBO3) (Japanese) | Ministry of the Environment, Japan | 2021 | https://www.env.go.jp/content/900517171.pdf | 2026-10-28 |
| Certification of nature symbiosis sites, first round of FY2026 (Japanese) | Ministry of the Environment, Japan | 2026-06-30 | https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05186.html | 2026-10-28 |
| Coverage of protected areas and OECMs (Japanese) | Ministry of the Environment, Japan | 2026-08-03 | https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_05386.html | 2026-10-28 |
| Saga Prefecture Red List (Japanese) | Saga Prefecture | updated 2024-06-20 | https://www.pref.saga.lg.jp/kiji00314125/index.html | 2026-10-28 |
| Global statistics | UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (Protected Planet) | 2026-10 | https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/global_statistics_download | 2026-10-28 |
| October 2026 monthly release news | UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (Protected Planet) | 2026-10 | https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/monthly-release-news/october-2026 | 2026-10-28 |
| Protected Planet Report 2024 | UNEP-WCMC and IUCN | 2024 | https://digitalreport.protectedplanet.net/ | 2026-10-28 |
| GBF Target 3 | Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity | - | https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/3 | 2026-10-28 |
| Country pages (Japan and nine other countries) | UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (Protected Planet) | 2026-10 | https://www.protectedplanet.net/country/JPN | 2026-10-28 |
| Ouchi Town Yokomakura Natural Symbiosis Area (ID 555781451) | UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (Protected Planet) | 2026-10 | https://www.protectedplanet.net/555781451 | 2026-10-28 |
| Yokomakura sensor camera record sheet | Prof. Makoto Tokuda's laboratory, Saga University | 2026-10 | not published | 2026-10-28 |

## Where sources differ

Japan's land coverage of protected areas and OECMs is 29.92% on the Protected Planet country page and 21.0% in the Ministry of the Environment figures (3 August 2026). The same Protected Planet page also shows Japan's national report value of 20.3% for land. The world land figure is 17.6% in the Protected Planet Report 2024 (data as of August 2024) and 18.69% in the October 2026 global statistics; they refer to different dates. In Japan's 5th red list for plants and fungi, 2,063 species are threatened, 207 fewer than the 2,270 in the 4th list; the ministry attributes this to changes in assessment criteria and other factors.

## What this page does not cover

We do not give the names of threatened or near-threatened species, the names, locations or numbers of rare species found at Yokomakura, the locations of the sensor cameras, biodiversity figures for Karatsu City alone (we found no primary source), or the Yokomakura species list for September 2024 to June 2025 (the way species are counted has not been settled). Where sources do not explain why their figures differ, we do not add an explanation.

## About this page

By Hiroaki Kojima (Vice Director, Karatsu Farm & Food). Contact: info@karatsu-f-f.com. Published 28 October 2026. This page is made together with AI.