Loss of Biodiversity

Loss of Biodiversity

Loss of biodiversity is a reduction in the number of genes, species, microorganisms, and other living creatures that maintain the ecological balance on earth. For example, climatic change can affect the habitat of the species. Moreover, it is more noticeable as it is becoming the biggest threat to biodiversity. 

The risk of extinction of certain species is evident due to the destruction of their habitats. According to some reports, the current rate of global diversity loss is estimated to be 100 to 1000 times higher and faster than at any other time in human history. In addition to this, many scientists believe that this rate will still increase in the upcoming years. Loss of biodiversity usually impacts many ecological factors and disrupts life balance. In this article, the causes of the Loss of biodiversity will be highlighted in detail. 

Causes of biodiversity loss

One of the primary reasons for the loss of biodiversity is due to certain human activities. For example, commercial fishing and hunting have altered natural ecosystem cycles, shifted species distribution patterns, and even introduced new species into previously uninhabited regions. 

Below are a few causes of biodiversity loss: 

Overpopulation 

The slowing down of biodiversity is perhaps due to overpopulation. It has a far greater impact on our planet. It is because overpopulation in a specific area causes exploitation of the earth’s natural resources and habitat of species. Also, the government and authorities tend to indulge in deforestation to ensure adequate space for people to reside, which has led to the loss of biodiversity, affecting the balance of life. Since 1970, the number of vertebrates has decreased by 60% due to the enormous conversion of forests, marshes, grasslands, and other terrestrial habitats.

Illegal Wildlife Hunt

Under the causes of biodiversity loss, illegal wildlife hunting is the greatest threat to biodiversity. Hunting is the primary cause of the loss of significant numbers of animals that occupy important roles in the food chain. Numerous species in the region are negatively impacted since they face food shortages or food insecurity compared to a typical scenario. Hunting is a significant contributor to the extinction of species.

Invasive Species

An invasive species can thrive in various environmental circumstances and swiftly spread over an area. Invasive organisms are usually non-native. Non-native species can cohabit with native species without causing problems in some cases. Although it can be concerning when a non-native species spreads and becomes invasive. An aggressive or vigorously growing non-native species can overpower or dominate the indigenous native species. It disrupts the natural balance, resulting in the extinction of native species overall, in some cases, entire communities, reducing an area’s overall biodiversity and health.

Climate Change

Climate change and biodiversity are inextricably linked. Biodiversity is being impacted by increasing temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and acidification of the oceans, which is placing additional stress on species already threatened by human activities. Rising global temperatures can modify ecosystems over time by affecting what can grow and dwell there. Rising ocean temperatures have an impact on marine creatures as well. Ocean acidification can make it more difficult for shellfish and corals in the upper ocean to develop shells and rigid skeletons, making them particularly sensitive to rising temperatures.

Pollution

Pollution is one of the global change drivers that impact biodiversity. But first, let us understand what pollution is. Pollution refers to the contamination of an area by introducing harmful materials into the natural environment. 

For example, oil pipelines that leak into water bodies pollute the water. There are other different types of pollution, including noise pollution, air pollution, plastic pollution, and soil pollution, that can adversely affect the health of humans and the ecosystem.

Solutions to biodiversity loss

The conservation issues provided by the underlying factors are inextricably linked to dealing with biodiversity loss. According to conservation biologists, these issues might be handled with a combination of public policies and regulatory solutions and ongoing monitoring and education. 

Governments, non-governmental groups, and the scientific community must collaborate to establish incentives for natural habitat conservation and the protection of species within them from wasteful exploitation while discouraging behaviour that leads to habitat loss and degradation. It is possible to lessen the pressure on ecosystems and species by formulating and implementing remedies for each of these causes of biodiversity loss.

Consequences of biodiversity loss

Here are some of the negative consequences of biodiversity loss. 

• It affects our health.

Loss of biodiversity impacts the health of humans in different ways. First, let us look at it in terms of pollution. The structure and function of ecosystems are being disrupted, and human activities impact natural biodiversity. These disruptions have an impact on infectious disease patterns. For example, drinking water from a contaminated water body will be detrimental to health and cause severe diseases. 

• It affects livelihood

Some people make their income from certain species of biodiversity. For example, furniture makers. These furniture makers usually get their timber and other necessities from the forest. Once the forest does not have the required number of timber woods due to heavy exploitation, it will impact their livelihood. As a result, it would also affect society’s economy. It is why professionals actively kick against the loss of biodiversity.

• Lack of recreational activities

Biodiversity serves as a source of recreational activities. Here are some recreational activities, including bird watching, hiking, fishing, and more. But if a water body is contaminated, it would be impossible for anyone to engage in fishing. Likewise, suppose air pollution affects the birds. In that case, they will migrate to another area, and bird watching will no longer be possible. Loss of biodiversity often starts as a small action, but it eventually escalates and creates more extensive problems.

Conclusion

We must try to avoid actions that lead to the loss of biodiversity at all costs. Additionally, the government needs to make laws to stop humans from carrying out activities that negatively impact biodiversity. Biodiversity affects species in different ways. We know that nobody wants to disrupt the ecosystem, so our goal should be to clean up our acts before it’s too late.