Threats to Biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity

• There is loss or threat to biodiversity because of several reasons. These include primary changes in abiotic and biotic factors of an ecosystem which causes harmful effects on biodiversity.

• Major threats to the biodiversity are -

1. Habitat loss

2. Poaching of wild life

3. Man - wild life conflicts

4. Destruction of coastal areas

5. Filing up of wetlands

6. Commercial exploitation.

1. Habitat Loss

• The loss of wild habitats, due to rapid human population growth contributes to the rapid global destruction of biodiversity.

• Other important factors of loss of habitat are :

⊕ Deforestation

⊕ Destruction of wetlands

⊕ Over grazing

⊕ Urban development

⊕ Building of dams

⊕ Mining

⊕  Land slides

⊕ Poor agricultural practices

⊕ Industrial wastes.

2. Poaching of Wild Life

• Poaching of wildlife for sport, making profit and for human consumption. Wild species are hunted for their fur, tusks, meat, thorns. Various animals and their purpose of producing article / use are summarized here.

• Habitat loss also occur when man introduces species from one area into other, disturbing the balance of existing community. Species are lost due to destruction of natural ecosystem.

3. Man-Wild Conflicts

• Man is continuously interacting with different ecosystems for food, fuel, recreation, sports, urban development, waste disposal etc.

• Every activity is responsible directly or indirectly responsible for disturbing species.

• Natural forests are being deforested for timber and single species trees like teak, sal. This monoculture plantation creates imbalance ecosystem.

• Natural size of forests are reducing because of human encroachment, therefore animals often attacks on human society and creates violence.

Review Questions

1. What are the threats to biodiversity ?

2. Mention the threats to biodiversity.