Natural disasters can be causes of habitat destruction. ... can cause irreparable damage to desert habitats. The primary reason why habitats are destroyed is because we are consuming resources. 7. One of the main reasons is the agricultural industry. 3. Swamps and marshes are examples of areas known as wetlands. This is just one example of habitat destruction, known simply as destruction. The more trees that are cut down, the more carbon dioxide that goes into the air and causes the Earth to heat up more quickly. Deserts 101. As per Wikipedia. What is Recycling and Why is Recycling Important? Known as invasive species, they naturally contribute to the downfall of other animals and plants. We should also teach others the importance of biodiversity. Plant and animal populations are destroyed or displaced, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Animals are very intelligent beings, but without their natural homes, they are unable to protect themselves and care for their young.2. Man-made causes of habitat destruction include construction of both previously undeveloped areas as well as new construction on the fringe of developed areas. 2. But in cities two of the most pressing problems facing the world today also come together: poverty and environmental degradation. Mining and extraction activities: Oil and gas extraction and mining also a major contributor to deforestation. ), Can You Recycle Lotion Bottles? Amphibians are found in a great variety of ecosystems from tropical rainforests to arid deserts (Stebbins and Cohen 1995). We decide to clear out land for large buildings and to make room for attractions that are profitable. The increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere keeps solar heat in the atmosphere. A wetland area may be filled in to build a structure or road on. 4. As the late Steve Irwin put it, "I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that's habitat destruction." Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. Rainforest Action Network: this website for the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is full of information about tropical habitat destruction. Imagine waking up one day, only to discover that everything you’ve always known has instantly changed. This change in temperature is killing various species, especially in regions where the changes are extreme. We can combat habitat loss by preserving natural resources and learning how to use them in a way that does not require such frequent destruction of habitats. (And Ways to Dispose of Them), Are Yogurt Cups Recyclable? 4. Global warming is an important cause of habitat destruction for polar bears as the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean is melting. Habitat destruction is the process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. The land itself is also packed down so tightly from human equipment that many plants cannot force themselves to grow and if the seeds are not sown elsewhere, the plant type could be completely lost within the region. Animals store food and water for times of inclement weather or when their food source is no longer in season. Every type of habitat destruction results in a loss of species. Also, young animals need to be cared for in various ways in the wild. Life in the wild is instinctual with everything being interconnected. “A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant, or other type of organism. There are some ways we can try to reduce causes of habitat destruction, including attempting to minimally impact an area with new construction, by using existing farmland instead of creating new farmland, and being extremely cautious with fire. Tornadoes can physically rip trees out of the ground and crush vegetation with debris that is strewn about. Degradation of the environment allows species that are not part of an ecosystem to invade the area. Animals are very intelligent beings, but without their natural homes, they are unable to protect themselves and care for their young. As we exhaust natural resources, the homes of many animals are lost in the process. The primary effect of habitat destruction is a reduction in biodiversity, which refers to the variety and abundance of different species of animals and plants in a particular setting. Floods can destroy the vegetation and cause erosion of the land. 2. Habitat loss is a serious problem for wildlife and humans alike. The term typically refers to the zone in which the organism lives and where it can find food, shelter, protection and mates for reproduction. Polar bears are likely just the tip of the iceberg in regard to the species that will be affected by global warming. Facebook Twitter Linkedin EMail. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe. The destruction of natural habitats has been a constant problem … Large-scale infrastructure: Housing, roads, hydropower projects. They have to be protected from predators that can attack them while they are defenseless, and they must learn to hunt and gather their own food. Fragmentation results in the loss of resources, such as food and mates. Again, land cut clear of trees or natural grassland mowed to provide farmland can destroy the habitat of mammals, insects, or birds. Many plants can no longer grow because the composition and soil quality is instantly changed, taking away the nutrients and the space that plants need to grow. As quickly as humans can destroy natural habitats, we should be just as willing to put forth the effort to rebuild and attempt to replace what is lost. The three main types of habitat loss are habitat destruction, habitat degradation and habitat fragmentation. Habitat Destruction. These substances used to protect crops and promote their growth. By limiting waste within our resource chain, we create a similar limitation in the area of habitat destruction. There is habitat destruction which is done by completely removing trees and plants and instantly changing the landscape. 2. By definition, habitat loss is also known as habitat destruction, and it occurs when we destroy the natural shelters that are home to wildlife. In fact, 20 million acres of land are used to grow alfalfa in America, about 1 million in California alone. Habitats are not always destroyed to use the land for humans to live. During bad weather, natural shelters are very similar to human homes, serving as protection from storms, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures. Observers should make it a point to assist reporting professionals by safely documenting the process of habitat destruction whenever the opportunity arises. For example, the trees are used to create various paper products, and wood is also used for the production of furniture and miscellaneous items. The U.S. is actually the largest beef producer, and therefore our local plant and wildlife is greatly affected. When we make way for homes and buildings, the land has to be level in order for the building to be stable and for the construction process to begin. 2. Many animals use natural shelters to hide from their predictors. We must also consider what happens to the ground. Fragmentation can separate animals from one another and from their food sources. As humans destroy natural habitats, we are hurting ourselves because it is contributing to global warming and climate change. process that cuts big habitats into smaller pieces of land that get isolated Ultimately, the toxic ingredients absorb into the ground and flow into lakes, rivers, and oceans, poisoning the water and animals. Habitat destruction includes development by humans and problems induced by climate change. For the many animals that depend on migration to preserve their species, fragmenting habitats takes away this advantage. Habitat conservation is a management practice that seeks to conserve, protect and restore habitats and prevent species extinction, fragmentation or reduction in range. Fire is another culprit that can fall under man-made or natural causes of habitat destruction. Scientists explain that when there is higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, the water absorbs much of it. They are also destroyed so that their materials can be used to keep us comfortable. For areas that cannot be saved, we can assist in funding the creation of areas that will serve as a refuge for displaced wildlife instead. Consider the exceptional biodiversity of Sumatra. The process begins with deforestation. Lightning strikes can also result in serious fires. This happens both in water and on land. Jose Colon 12th Grade School of Information Technology @ Eastside “Home is where the heart is"- Pliny the Elder. Burning fossil fuels and deforestation have both contributed to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is a priority of many groups that cannot be easily characterized in terms of any one ideology . Unlike the forests where we cut down trees and make the land more compact from above, we fill wetlands to cover them up so that we can build things on top of them. Destruction causes instant harm to habitats and kills many species in the process. Earthquakes can physically move the land, and may be associated with subsequent tsunamis. ... vehicles, and the loss of habitat and food sources. Many of them now stand where there was once only wildlife and natural habitats. 8. For animals, this process happens so suddenly that there is no time to adapt to such drastic changes. All Rights Reserved . Comprehensive education regarding the environment helps people to understand how necessary biodiversity is and teaches ways in which everyone can contribute to causes that aid in keeping many different species alive. Natural shelters are home to many wild animals. The water gets contaminated and the level of heat in the water rises beyond the expectations of life. A true environmentalist by heart ❤️. Along with education, awareness should also be raised. Note: Habitat destruction is taken as synonymous with habitat loss. This quote perfectly captures the way humans are ripping out the “heart” of nature's wildlife. Habitat destruction is currently ranked as the primary cause of species extinction worldwide. The major form of habitat destruction is deforestation either to develop land for agriculture (70%) or to harvest lumber intensively (World Wildlife Fund, 2015).Two examples of habitat destruction via deforestation will be considered here: (1) deforestation in the Amazon Basin and (2) deforestation in Malaysia, Indonesia, and sub-Saharan … Habitat loss from agriculture affects numerous animals all over the world. The bulldozer is not only killing the trees and other plants that it is running over, but it is killing the living area of multiple species. Habitat destruction is one of the biggest threats facing plants and animal species throughout the world. The organisms that previously inhabited the site are displaced or die, thereby reducing biodiversity and species abundance. When habitats are destroyed, many species die out. Increasing food production is a major agent for the conversion of natural habitat into agricultural land. As the bulldozer is knocking down trees, it is also crushing grasses and packing the ground super tight. Learn why habitat fragmentation is such a problem for wildlife and how it impacts species here in the UK. When the ocean temperatures rise; there are other associated adverse impacts that are experienced in the aquatic environment.The heat melts the icecaps and as a result, there is a resultant rise in the ocean level. The causes of habitat destruction can be either man-made or natural in origin. One of the most widespread forms of habitat destruction is called habitat degradation. (And 7 Ways to Reuse), Are Egg Shells Recyclable? Really cool website! Analysis of International Environmental Problems : a look at the human view of deforestation--who are the people who cut down the forests, why do they continue to do it, and their effects on wildlife habitat. When we focus on education and personal action, then we have effective solutions to habitat destruction that can create a meaningful impact on local, national, and global scales. The melted … If you think about how many stores, homes, and various places of business are in existence, then you know that these places cover a massive amount of land. Consequently, temperatures are becoming more unpleasant for us as time goes on and additional greenhouse gases fill the air. As wildlife is displaced, it changes their entire way of living. Knowing that the death of wildlife and negative environmental impact are the results of habitat loss, it’s reasonable to question why we continue to carry on habits that destroy biodiversity. A vast majority of natural habitats are destroyed for human homes as well. Human error or intent can result in forest fires. Overview. Animals store their food and water in case the food and water are no longer in the season. 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