Human activities often lead to a fragmentation or to a reduction of suitable habitats, which may result in a reduction of a species’ range. Humans can also directly influence the abundance of a given species by overharvesting, causing a reduction in population size, ultimately, and a loss of genetic diversity that subsequently leads to extinction of species.
From overpopulation to deforestation, our activity is threatening the existence of the other species with which we share this Earth. The predominant causes for the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of biological resources include large-scale clearing and burning of forests, destruction of coral reefs, destructive fishing practices, over-harvesting of various species of plants and animals, the illegal trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, indiscriminate use of pesticides, draining and filling of wetlands, air pollution, and the conversion of wild-lands to agricultural and urban uses.
Over-harvesting and development are apparently wiping out much of the amphibian fauna in both the First and Third Worlds. |
