Effects of Biodiversity loss

Impacts on ecosystem stability

Loss of biodiversity threatens the essential ecological functions, upon which human life depends.

Accelerated extinction rates

In March, 2023 out of its 150300 life forms, about 42100 are close to extinction which include:

41% Amphibians
39% Cycads
37% Rays and Sharks
36% Reef Corals
34% Conifers
28% Crustaceans
13% Birds
21% Reptiles
27% Mammals


Increased zoonotic disease transmissions

A zoonotic disease is an infectious disease in humans that originates from pathogens transmission via non-human animals such as monkeypox, COVID-19, AIDS, Ebola and Lyme disease. Loss of biodiversity also impacts the transmission of such diseases to humans.  


More human wildlife conflicts

Loss of biodiversity results in negative interactions between humans and wildlife animals. Friction sources include expansion in agricultural land, human settlements, deforestation and industrialization. As a result of which, the nesting, feeding and mating sites of wildlife animals are disrupted which threatens the wildlife.


Conclusion

The current life on Earth is a result of four billion years of evolution. We live on the only planet known to have the perfect conditions for creating not just humans but all the diverse life forms. However, biodiversity loss across multiple trophic levels is causing devastating ramifications for both humans and non-human animals. The only culprit is human greed. We should come forward and work collectively for preserving our biodiversity so that Earth may have a sustainable environment for future generations.


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