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Map created by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Source: SEDAC – Last of the Wild.
In a world where highways, cities, and farmland sprawl across the landscape, truly wild places are rare. But they still exist. The world map above shows Earth’s least human-influenced ecosystems—areas where nature still thrives with minimal disturbance. These regions have a Human Footprint Index of 10 or less, meaning they remain some of the most untouched places on the planet.
Where Are the World’s Last Wild Places?
Some of the most extensive wild areas are found in:
The Tundra and Boreal Forests – Stretching across Canada, Alaska, and Russia, these cold, remote landscapes remain among the least disturbed on Earth. Harsh climates and sparse populations have preserved their wild character.
The Amazon Rainforest – Despite deforestation threats, vast regions of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia still retain their pristine wilderness.
The Sahara and Australian Outback – These arid landscapes remain wild simply because they are too extreme for widespread human settlement.
The Congo and Indonesian Rainforests – Central Africa’s dense jungle and Indonesia’s lush tropical forests host some of the largest intact wilderness areas, supporting species found nowhere else.
Tibetan Montane Grasslands and Shrublands – High-altitude ecosystems in Tibet remain largely untouched, serving as refuges for unique wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
What Wildlife Still Thrives in These Wild Areas?
These untouched landscapes are home to some of the planet’s rarest and most unique species:
The Arctic tundra shelters polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes.
Boreal forests provide habitat for wolves, moose, and lynxes.
The Amazon and Congo rainforests house jaguars, gorillas, and thousands of undiscovered insects.
The Sahara supports desert-adapted species like fennec foxes and addax antelopes.
The Australian Outback remains a refuge for kangaroos, dingoes, and emus.
How Fast Are These Wild Areas Disappearing?
Unfortunately, even the world’s most remote regions are under threat. Deforestation, climate change, mining, and infrastructure projects are rapidly eroding these last wild places. The Amazon, for example, lost over 17% of its forest cover in just 50 years. The Arctic is warmingfour times faster than the global average, leading to habitat loss for polar species. Meanwhile, illegal mining and logging threaten the Amazon rainforest at an alarming rate.
Why Are These Places Important?
These untouched areas are more than just beautiful landscapes—they’re essential for the planet. They store carbon, regulate climate, and maintain biodiversity. When we lose them, we lose more than just scenery; we lose the very systems that sustain life.
Protecting the Last of the Wild requires global cooperation. Conservation efforts, sustainable policies, and protected areas are crucial. But awareness is the first step. Knowing where these wild places are—and understanding their value—can drive change.
What are your thoughts? Have you visited any truly wild places? Let us know in the comments!
