The same adaptable species appear again and again, while many of the more specialised ones quietly disappear. One of the most influential studies, led by ecologist Michael McKinney, showed that human activity is reshuffling biodiversity globally, allowing a relatively small group of adaptable species to spread widely, while more specialised species decline. In a landmark synthesis published in Biological Conservation, McKinney and colleagues argued that the spread of common species, combined with the loss of rare species, is making ecological communities increasingly similar worldwide. Adaptable species expand their ranges, while specialised species decline or vanish locally. Even relatively small actions, such as maintaining hedgerows, and restoring bogs and native plant communities can provide refuge for specialised species.

Source: Irish Examiner March 14, 2026 15:00 UTC