Causes of Biodiversity Losses

Introduction- What is Biodiversity Loss?

Loss of biodiversity or biodiversity loss refers to declining biodiversity within a species, a chosen geographic area, an ecosystem, or Earth as a whole. Biodiversity refers to the number of genes, and individual organisms within a given species, species, and biological communities within a defined geographic area, that ranges from the tiniest ecosystem to the global biosphere.

Biodiversity loss is a term used to mean the decline in the number, genetic variations, and variety of species, and various biological communities in a given area. Such a loss in the variety of life and ecosystem can lead to a breakdown or malfunction in the functioning of the ecosystem where the decline has occurred.

Biodiversity in general is associated with species richness and the number of species within a given geographical area. So, biodiversity loss means the loss of species from a given ecosystem or biological area.

A 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services reported that the number of plants and animals that are going to face extinction due to human activities is up to one million.

What do you understand by the term "The Evil Quarter"?

‘The Evil Quartet’ of biodiversity loss describes the reasons that cause the extinction of species. The four main reasons are overexploitation, loss of habitat, extinction of species continuously, and introduction of exotic species.

i) Overexploitation: Overexploitation refers to farming or harvesting species at a faster rate than any other natural population cannot recover at this accelerated rate. Examples include overfishing and overhunting.

ii) Loss of habitat: When a natural habitat becomes unable of supporting the species that are native to it is referred to as loss of habitat or habitat destruction.

iii) Extinction of species: Extinction of any species occurs when species decline because of environmental forces. The decline may also occur due to evolutionary changes in their members.

iv) Introduction of exotic species: When a species living in some other habitat or foreign species move to the habitat of other species due to human activities or accidentally it is called the introduction of exotic species.

Major Causes for the Loss of Biodiversity

Cause #1 Destruction of Habitat−

The natural habitat may be destroyed by man for his settlement, agriculture, mining, industries, highway construction, dam building, etc.

Cause #2 Hunting−

Hunting is also a major reason for biodiversity loss. For example, the hunting of rhinos for their tusks and elephants for ivory has caused a loss of biodiversity in Africa and many other regions.

Cause #3 Exploitation of Selected Species−

The exploitation of some species of plants has resulted in their disappearance from their natural habitats. This may also be a reason for biodiversity loss.

Cause #4 Habitat Fragmentation−

Habitat fragmentation is the “unnatural detaching or separation of expansive tracts of habitats into spatially segregated fragments” that are too limited to maintain their different species for an infinite future. It leads to artificially created ‘terrestrial islands’.

Fragmentation enhances the migration and colonization of alien species. Such palpable and continuous colonization affects the survival of native species.

The most notable effect of fragmentation is the segregation of larger populations into more than one smaller population. There is considerable proof that the number of species in a fragmented habitat decreases over time.

Cause #5 Collection for Zoo and Research−

Collections of animals for zoos and research purposes lead to their death and the the gradual decrease of the species.

Cause #6 Introduction of Exotic Species−

Native species are subjected to competition for food and space due to the introduction of exotic species which are foreign to the ecosystem.

Cause #7 Pollution−

Pollution can also be a major reason for the extinction of species and loss of biodiversity.

Cause #8 Control of Pests and Predators−

The use of various pesticides and predator-killers may disbalance the ecosystem and may also kill non-target predators.

Cause #9 Natural Calamities−

Natural calamities may kill the entire species in a region leading to a loss of biodiversity.

Cause #10− Other Factors

• Distribution range − With a smaller distribution range, the threat of extinction increases.

• Degree of specialization − with increasing specialization vulnerability to extinction increases.

• Position of the organism in the food chain − If the organism is placed higher in the food chain, the more susceptible it becomes to extinction.

• Reproductive rate − Bigger organisms tend to produce fewer offspring at wide intervals, meaning they are more prone to extinction.

Solution to Biodiversity Loss

Governments, (NGOs) nongovernmental organizations, and the scientific community must work hand in hand to save and conserve natural habitats. They should also protect the species within them from unnecessary harvesting while prohibiting behaviors that contribute to habitat loss and degradation.

Sustainable development (economic planning that is concerned with growth while preserving the environmental quality) must be utilized while creating new farmland and human living spaces.

Laws that stop poaching and the indiscriminate trade in wildlife must be improved and enforced. Shipping materials at ports should be inspected for stowaway organisms. Having an open eye and ear for spotting sensitive zones for animals and plants may also help in saving the biodiverse earth.

Conclusion

Biodiversity loss is a dangerous threat to the entire world and we must prevent biodiversity loss from occurring at any cost. Since it is associated with the extinction of species too, a concerted effort must be paid to keep the biodiversity intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qns 1. What are the two main types of biodiversity losses?

Ans. The two main types of biodiversity loss are Natural biodiversity loss and human-driven biodiversity loss.

Qns 2. What does the term “The Evil Quarter” mean?

Ans. ‘The Evil Quartet’ of biodiversity loss describes the reasons that cause the extinction of species. The four main reasons are overexploitation, loss of habitat, extinction of species continuously, and introduction of exotic species.

Qns 3. What is meant by loss of habitat?

Ans. When a natural habitat becomes unable of supporting the species that are native to it is referred to as loss of habitat or habitat destruction.