What Are the Causes of Animal Extinction?
The causes of animal extinction are numerous and varied. Additionally, there are many species at risk of extinction that may not receive the necessary protection from humans. The pace of extinction has notably accelerated, with researchers estimating it has increased by a factor of 1,000 to 10,000 times.
This alarming trend is primarily attributed to human activities on Earth. Animal extinction occurs when the last known individual of a species dies without leaving any genetic legacy behind. It is estimated that over 99% of all living organisms that once existed on our planet are now extinct. Among the significant factors contributing to animal extinction are:
Habitat Destruction
Habitat destruction is currently the leading cause of animal extinction, mainly due to deforestation and the removal of trees. This loss of habitat has led to the extinction of countless species, particularly those that rely on specific ecosystems, such as forests. If current trends continue, it is predicted that most rainforests could vanish within the next century.
To date, humans have transformed and destroyed approximately 13 million hectares of forest land. The issue extends beyond terrestrial habitats; marine ecosystems are also under threat, with many coral reefs, which serve as habitats for 25% of marine animals, facing destruction—about 27% of these reefs have already been affected.
Loss of Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity refers to the variations within a species that allow individuals to adapt to environmental changes. Increased genetic diversity enhances a species’ ability to survive against extinction threats. Unfortunately, genetic diversity diminishes when animals breed within the same population or family.
A prime example is the cheetah, which has experienced extended periods of inbreeding, resulting in significantly reduced genetic diversity. Consequently, cheetahs struggle to adapt to environmental changes at the same rate as other animals, putting them at a heightened risk of extinction.
Human activity often exacerbates the loss of genetic diversity, especially due to harmful practices such as illegal and excessive hunting of certain species, further reducing their population numbers and potential for reproduction.
Overhunting
Overhunting frequently leads to the depletion of certain animal species or leaves only a few vulnerable individuals, all of whom could disappear from our planet at any time.
Humans often target wildlife for various reasons, including hunting for food, fur, feathers, oil, or medicinal use. The advancement of technology has made it easier to hunt large numbers of animals simultaneously, increasing the risk of extinction for certain species, as seen with various types of fish.
Global Warming
Global warming significantly impacts the atmosphere, which, in turn, profoundly affects all forms of life, including animals. While many aspects of global warming’s effects on animal life remain undiscovered, it is evident that it can lead to various diseases in these organisms, thereby increasing their extinction risk.
Environmental Pollution
Pollution poses a severe threat to animal life and can lead to extinction. Various forms of pollution, such as the introduction of harmful chemicals into soil, air, or water, can disrupt metabolic processes within animals, often resulting in their gradual demise.
Air pollution from contaminants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, alongside soil and water pollution from heavy metals such as mercury and lead, contributes to a rapid increase in extinction rates. Larger and rarer species are often more susceptible to extinction than smaller species, which may adapt better to environmental changes.
Consequences of Animal Extinction
Every species plays a specific role and function within the ecosystem. The loss of any species could disrupt the entire ecosystem, destabilizing the balance and biodiversity essential for survival. Consequently, the extinction of a particular animal species can have numerous repercussions, including:
Alteration of Ecosystems
Ecosystems have historically maintained a delicate balance, a gift of nature. However, the extinction of certain animal species can lead to their removal from the food chain, overall affecting the ecosystem’s dynamics. For instance, if a predator goes extinct, the population of its prey could surge dramatically, ultimately disrupting ecological balance.
Threat to Food Chains
One of the gravest consequences of certain animal extinctions is the potential disruption of food chains. Each species plays a vital role in its ecosystem and within food chains; thus, the loss of any species may lead to discontinuities that can jeopardize other life forms in the same ecosystem.
Loss of Natural Medicinal Resources
Extinction poses significant risks to natural resources that contribute to medicinal development. Many medicines are derived from chemical compounds sourced from animals. For example, a particular component used in skin cancer treatment comes from a rare marine bacterium.
Threat to Plant Pollination
Further, the extinction of specific animal species can affect plants reliant on animals for pollination. Bees, for instance, play a crucial role in pollinating many plant species that constitute significant parts of the human diet. Consequently, the loss of these pollinators risks the survival of these plants in the long term.
Negative Impact on the Economy
Animal extinction can have considerable economic implications. A study conducted by the United Nations concluded that the ongoing loss of various animal species could impact global economic output by 18% by the year 2050. Numerous industries struggle due to the decline of certain species. For instance, the depletion of bee populations for honey production is valued at fifty billion dollars annually, while the overfishing of cod off the coast of Newfoundland has devastating effects on local fishing economies.
Solutions to Protect Animals from Extinction
Several solutions can help mitigate the risk of animal extinction. Notably, these include:
- Raising community awareness about endangered species and mobilizing efforts to prevent human actions that contribute to their risk of extinction.
- Implementing protective measures regarding the habitats of endangered species, thereby restricting access to individuals who may seek to exploit these animals for personal gain.
- Encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to maintain a clean and safe environment, free from pollution, by properly disposing of waste.
- Safely disposing of hazardous waste to ensure both terrestrial and marine environments remain clean and free from various pollutants.
- Minimizing the use of chemical pesticides, which pose significant risks to wildlife and can accumulate in soils over time.
- Avoiding the purchase of goods made from endangered species, such as ivory, coral, and fur.
- Ceasing the consumption of endangered fish species and opting for more sustainable alternatives.
- Abstaining from engaging in any activities that may jeopardize wildlife, including illegal fishing or hunting practices.