Threats to Global Biodiversity

Scientists have observed, studied, and recorded 1,435,662 species. Many more species elude human knowledge. that the biodiversity and the ecology that the various species offer are being threatened, does not augur well for humans. It is essential to identify factors endangering biodiversity.

Extinction of species has been a natural occurrence from time immemorial. Many of the animals that grazed the planet have disappeared. However, human are expediting the extinction of many a species by their actions. Human population has passed the billion mark. We have destroyed half of the world's forest for our own selfish use. We utilize most of the available fresh water. Tropical forests are the home of nearly 50% of the species, There were originally 15 million Km of forests on the planet. Now, they have been reduced to less than half the original area. To sustain ourselves, we have transformed forests into farms, roads, and cities. In the process, we have destroyed the natural habitats of wild animals and birds. As a part of the development process, we have contaminated land, water, and soil with chemicals and smoke that have begun affecting our own wellbeing.

Over hunting, legal and illegal poaching of animals is a specific reason of the dwindling number of some species. Hunting may be for food, fashion, amusement, or profit. The Rhino, the Bengal tiger and the Passenger pigeon are on the brink of extinction. Legislation's and their strict implementation can help in the matter.

Transferring a species from its natural home to another is another important factor. The foreign or exotic species, the eucalyptus tree brought to India by the British is a case in point. It draws a lot of ground water for itself leaving very little for other trees in the area. The Nile perch, introduced in Lake Victoria ensured its survival in the new habitat by eliminating many other species.

Ecosystems have been negatively affected by changes in the weather patterns. Many plants and animals have not been able to adapt to changes that have came with little warning because of global warming.

By hybridization and introgression especially to create high yielding varieties is causing genetic pollution. Its skeptics believe that it is destroying the unique genetic traits that they have to fight against diseases and climate changes. In the future, a time will come when it would become impossible to genetically improve the plants and animals any more. Then their ability to resist disease or climate change would be weak.

By creating awareness, introducing small changes in the way we live, and by proper legislation's we can conserve the precious biodiversity that earth offers. If we do not act urgently and immediately, we will lose it irretrievably forever.