A global study has found that 40% of species that depend on soil for their survival are either threatened with extinction or lack enough data to assess their status. That means nearly half of the creatures living beneath our feet from earthworms to burrowing mammals are in an invisible crisis.
A hidden world under threat
Researchers analyzed more than 20,000 species across 12 groups that rely on soil at some point in their life cycle. These include earthworms, ants, termites, beetles, spiders, millipedes, and even mammals like the dusky hopping mouse of Australia, which burrows extensively in sand. The study, published in a scientific journal, used data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List to assess extinction risk.
Why local communities should care
The findings come from a team of scientists based in Australia and other countries. They found that soil dependent species face threats from habitat loss, agriculture, pollution, and climate change. Many of these creatures play essential roles in soil health, such as breaking down organic matter, aerating the ground, and cycling nutrients. Without them, soils can degrade, affecting food production and water quality for people around the world.
The data gap problem
A significant portion of soil species are classified as data deficient, meaning scientists simply do not know enough about them to determine their risk. This gap is especially large for invertebrates, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts. The study highlights that many soil species may be disappearing before they are even documented.
This research underscores that the crisis beneath our feet is as serious as the one above ground. Soil is the foundation of terrestrial life, and its inhabitants are disappearing at an alarming rate. Without action to protect these species, the ecosystems that depend on them including humans could face unseen consequences.
