The article "Defaunation in the Anthropocene" by Rodolfo Dirzo et al. highlights the significant and often under-recognized impact of human activities on terrestrial animal biodiversity. Since 1500, 322 vertebrate species have become extinct, and populations of remaining species have declined by an average of 25%. Invertebrate populations show a 45% mean abundance decline. This defaunation, a term used to describe the loss of species and populations, is a major driver of global ecological change and will have profound effects on ecosystem functioning and human well-being. The authors emphasize that defaunation is not just about species loss but also about changes in community composition and functional groups, which can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes. They discuss the drivers of defaunation, including overexploitation, habitat destruction, and invasive species, and highlight the need for immediate action to mitigate these threats. The article also explores the consequences of defaunation on various ecosystem functions, such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and water quality, and its impact on human health. Finally, the authors call for a comprehensive approach to address defaunation, focusing on both immediate actions and long-term sustainability to prevent further ecological tipping points.The article "Defaunation in the Anthropocene" by Rodolfo Dirzo et al. highlights the significant and often under-recognized impact of human activities on terrestrial animal biodiversity. Since 1500, 322 vertebrate species have become extinct, and populations of remaining species have declined by an average of 25%. Invertebrate populations show a 45% mean abundance decline. This defaunation, a term used to describe the loss of species and populations, is a major driver of global ecological change and will have profound effects on ecosystem functioning and human well-being. The authors emphasize that defaunation is not just about species loss but also about changes in community composition and functional groups, which can have cascading effects on ecosystem processes. They discuss the drivers of defaunation, including overexploitation, habitat destruction, and invasive species, and highlight the need for immediate action to mitigate these threats. The article also explores the consequences of defaunation on various ecosystem functions, such as pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and water quality, and its impact on human health. Finally, the authors call for a comprehensive approach to address defaunation, focusing on both immediate actions and long-term sustainability to prevent further ecological tipping points.