Habitat Destruction Facts: What is Destroying the World's Habitats?

Habitat destruction, also sometimes referred to as habitat loss, occurs when a natural habitat becomes functionally unable to support its species. There are a variety of habitat destruction facts that will help everyone better understand the seriousness of this issue. Habitat destruction is considered the principal threat to the world's biodiversity. When habitats are destroyed the conditions that are necessary for animals and plants to survive become altered or eliminated.

Causes of Habitat Destruction

Several different issues can destroy a habitat. These include:

Urbanization: This can result in changes in seed-dispersal and pollination patterns, breeding ground size reduction, isolated fragments of ecosystems, and wildlife migration route disruption.

Agricultural Practices: Due to agricultural practices 75 percent of North America's fruit and vegetable varieties are currently endangered.

Forest Destruction: This can cause sensitive plant species to be lost, as well as major problems with erosion.

Alternative Medicine Industry: Several plant species have become incredibly popular for use in alternative medicine, such as echinacea, goldenseal, ginseng, and snakeroot. Because of this the herbs often used in alternative medicine are being over-harvested.

Grazing: This cause of habitat destruction can lead to certain species being killed if they are preying on the livestock. It can also change a native ecological community's species composition.

Mining: When mining is not managed well the surface of an ecosystem can be destroyed, underground material can be introduced into a habitat, and when these materials are rained on a runoff containing high concentrations of metal ore or highly runoff that is highly acidic can be created and these are incredibly toxic to aquatic species.

Non-Native Species Introduction: When habitats are destroyed exotic species can become introduced into the habitat. This can result in competition with native species, change in vegetation, and the native species being preyed on. This can result in native animals and flora becoming threatened or endangered.

Pollution: Pollution has several threatening effects on habitats. Acid rain is a major threat and can lead to the destruction of lakes, forests, and streams, lower the pH of lakes and streams to the point that some fish can die or not be able to produce, as well as damage fish or other organisms when acid rain introduces certain metallic elements to water supplies.

Fire Suppression: Suppressing fire is actually a bad thing for ecosystems and can lead to habitat destruction. Fire can restore the natural balance of an ecosystem, or habitat. Many species of plants need fire in order for their seeds to release. It also helps to prevent the accumulation of underbrush. Though, fires must be handled judiciously to protect property and life, they can be beneficial in restoring the natural balance of a habitat or ecosystem.

Recreation: Off-road vehicles pose one of the biggest threats to a habitat. They can speed up soil erosion and compaction, vegetation destruction, and air and water pollution. Other recreational activities can also cause problems, such as backpacking and hiking, but these are generally less harmful, but not completely harmless.

Statistics of Habitat Loss

According to a study conducted by the National Forest Service, habitat destruction is the leading cause of endangered species. It threatens approximately 80 percent of federally listed species. Another study concluded that approximately 14 to 17 percent of species were affected by logging, 29 to 33 percent were affected by water development, 14 to 21 percent were affected by mining, 19 to 22 percent were affected by grazing, and 23 to 26 percent were affected by recreation.

These habitat destruction facts give us a better glimpse into the seriousness of this environmental issue.

Resources

Conservation Science Institute. (2007). Habitat Loss. Retrieved on April 20, 2010 from Conservation Science Institute: http://www.conservationinstitute.org/ocean_change/habitatloss.htm