Habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinction are causes for biodiversity loss.


Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and conversion of land for agriculture or infrastructure development. Fragmentation occurs when large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, leading to a reduction in the size and quality of suitable habitats for many species. This loss and fragmentation of habitats directly result in a decline in biodiversity, as it disrupts the natural balance and displaces numerous species from their native habitats.


Overexploitation refers to the excessive use or extraction of natural resources beyond their sustainable limits. This includes activities such as overfishing, overhunting, illegal wildlife trade, and unsustainable logging. Overexploitation directly affects biodiversity by depleting populations of targeted species, disrupting ecological interactions, and driving species towards extinction. It disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems and can have cascading effects on other species dependent on the exploited resources.


Alien species, also known as invasive species, are non-native species introduced into a new environment by human activities. These species often outcompete native species for resources, disrupt ecological processes, and can even prey upon or directly harm native species. Alien species invasion leads to the loss of native biodiversity as they can displace and outcompete native species, reducing their populations and potentially causing their extinction.


Co-extinction refers to the extinction of a species as a result of the extinction of another species it depends on for survival. Many species have symbiotic or mutualistic relationships with other species, where they rely on each other for food, pollination, or other ecological services. When one species goes extinct, its dependent species may also face extinction. Co-extinction can occur when a host species is lost due to habitat loss, overexploitation, or other factors, leading to the extinction of its associated species.

In conclusion, habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation, alien species invasion, and co-extinction are major causes of biodiversity loss. These factors disrupt ecosystems, displace and reduce populations of native species, and can ultimately lead to the extinction of numerous species. Conservation efforts and sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate these threats and protect the Earth's biodiversity.