Positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on species habitats and biodiversity: research shows improvement in the quality of ecosystems and living conditions during periods of reduced human activity

A study published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation shows that the movement restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the quality of habitats for various species. 

By using satellite data on ecological variables and pollutants, as well as data on human mobility and species distribution collected between 2017 and 2022, researchers confirmed that the reduction in human activity caused by lockdown had positive effects on biodiversity. Specifically, the reduction in movement and pollution improved the quality of spaces where amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants live, opening the door to promoting practices that pause or reduce human activity, such as remote work.

Research
This was confirmed in a study published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, conducted by researcher Salvador Arenas Castro from the University of Cordoba (UCO) along with Portuguese researchers Neftalí Sillero, João Carlos Campos, and João Alírio. The team studied habitat quality every eight days over five years for nearly 400 species on the Iberian Peninsula, using data obtained from satellites that report on different ecosystem characteristics, such as vegetation quality and their functional characteristics. Specifically, researchers were interested in albedo (which reports on energy balance), evapotranspiration (water balance), vegetation indices (which report on biomass and productivity), and the reflection and temperature of the earth's surface. These data were analyzed from July 2017 to August 2022 (thus before, during, and after the pandemic), revealing a general negative trend in habitat quality.

Results
After collecting this information, the team compared the results with other data related to pauses in human activity as a consequence of lockdown: toxic particles in the air as a result of burning fossil fuels (nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide), airborne particles less than ten microns (dust, ash, soot, pollen...) and mobility data.

Superimposing the results on species habitat quality with data on particles and mobility, the team noticed a connection; when lockdowns started, pollution decreased, and habitat quality increased for all species, surpassing seasonality. "In the first lockdown, for example, habitat quality increased after just a few days, causing a decrease in airborne particles and human mobility," explained researcher Salvador Arenas Castro.

Research Conclusions
Although prolonged lockdowns have negative effects on nature (such as increased fires and poaching) and can lead to social unrest, the research shows the benefits they had not only on species but also on humans. "If the quality of the habitats where species live improves, there will be more water, and of better quality; the air will be cleaner, and natural resources will be more accessible, making us happier, healthier, and more connected," says Arenas Castro, concluding that "greater biodiversity benefits health and social well-being."

Pandemic Impact on Biodiversity
The Covid-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges, but also opportunities for a better understanding of how human activities affect the environment. The study shows that periods of reduced human activity provided insights into potential long-term strategies for biodiversity conservation. For example, reducing air and noise pollution can have a direct positive effect on local ecosystems, allowing many species to recover and thrive.

Additionally, researchers emphasize the importance of lasting changes in human behavior. Promoting work practices that reduce the need for travel, such as working from home, can have lasting positive effects on the environment. Also, increasing awareness of the impact of our daily activities on the environment can encourage more responsible behavior and support conservation policies.

Additional Benefits for Human Health
In addition to biodiversity conservation, the reduction in pollution during the pandemic had positive effects on human health. Better air quality reduced the number of respiratory problems among the population, while noise reduction positively impacted people's mental health. Improved environmental quality also led to greater availability of recreational spaces, further contributing to overall well-being.

In the future, integrating these insights into urban and rural planning can result in healthier living environments for people and nature. For example, creating green corridors in cities can help reduce pollution and provide habitats for wildlife, while also improving the quality of life for urban residents.

Research Conclusions
The study provides clear evidence that reducing human activity can have significant positive effects on the environment and biodiversity. Although lockdowns were an extreme measure, the results suggest that more moderate and lasting changes in how we use resources and plan our activities can contribute to nature conservation in the long term. Researchers conclude that additional efforts are needed to integrate these insights into sustainable development policies, aiming to achieve a balance between human needs and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

As a society, we have the opportunity to learn from these experiences and adopt practices that will help preserve our planet for future generations. Continuous research and monitoring of the impact of human activities on the environment will be key to achieving sustainable development and preserving biodiversity.