3 THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY 4 Slides per page

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world, or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which includes the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems. High biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and provides essential services to humans.

Deforestation

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, often to make way for agriculture or development. Deforestation leads to habitat loss, threatens biodiversity, contributes to climate change by increasing carbon emissions, and disrupts water cycles.

IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature, an international organization that focuses on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, known for its publication of the Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.

Habitat destruction

The process in which natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species, primarily due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and logging. This leads to declines in biodiversity and affects ecosystem functions.

Invasive species

Non-native species that spread beyond their original introduction areas and can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. They can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species for resources, and lead to declines in biodiversity.

Ecological services

The benefits that ecosystems provide to humans, including clean air, water purification, nutrient cycling, pollination of plants, and carbon sequestration. These services are essential for maintaining the health of our planet and supporting human life.

Critical endangerment

A status indicating that a species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, often due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and invasive species. Such species require immediate conservation actions to prevent extinction.

Sustainability

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, often referring to the balance between resource use and environmental protection. Sustainable practices aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Overexploitation

The excessive use of a resource, leading to the depletion of that resource. Overexploitation can occur through activities like overfishing, logging, and hunting, which can result in population declines and threaten species with extinction.

Conservation status

Classification of a species' risk of extinction, as determined by criteria such as population size, habitat quality, and threats faced. Conservation statuses range from Least Concern to Critically Endangered, guiding conservation efforts and policies.