Habitat Loss

Definition and Causes

• Habitat Loss: the reduction of space where species can survive and reproduce due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, deforestation, and pollution.

• Main causes include agriculture (historical conversion of forests to farms), deforestation (for urbanization and plantations like palm oil), and climate change.

  Impact on Biodiversity:

• Habitat loss leads to decreased biodiversity and negative impacts on ecosystems, including extinctions.

• Sea level rise due to climate change threatens coastal habitats, with 85% of species at risk according to IUCN's Red List.

  Habitat Restoration:

• Habitat restoration can increase local biodiversity and species populations, e.g., through re-planting lost vegetation.

• Management strategies like protecting certain areas (e.g., national parks) are crucial to prevent further habitat loss.

  Examples and Statistics:

• Orangutans are endangered due to deforestation for palm oil, with 2,000-3,000 killed annually and extinction predicted in 50 years.

• Australia has 19.6% of land protected, including national parks with fossils dating back 550 million years and Indigenous protected areas.

  Future Predictions:

• Without action, up to 23% of natural habitat could be lost in the next 60 years, impacting 88% of species from 2010 to 2050.

• Preservation of the environment is crucial to prevent negative consequences on ecosystems. .