Following are the reasons of threat to biodiversity:
1. Habitat Loss: Because of growing population, we are destroying these habitats so that we can do farming and other activities to fulfill our needs.
2. Habitat Fragmentation: Construction of roads, rail lines, gas pipeline, canals, electricity transmission lines, farms, etc. has fragmented the habitats. It has badly affected the life of wild animals and they are always at risk of some accident.
3. Climate Change: Human activities are also causing significant changes in climate. Increased emission of greenhouse gases has increased the temperature of earth. This phenomenon is called global warming. It is resulting in melting of glaciers and icebergs.
4. Environmental Pollution: Environmental pollution has adverse effect on plants and animals.
5. Over Exploitation of Natural Resources: We have indulged in over exploitation of these resources for commercial interests. It has resulted in increased risk for many species.
6. Commercial Practices in Agriculture and Forestry: Farmers now grow a selected type of seeds and rear certain selected breeds of cattle. This practice has drastically reduced genetic diversity of crops and cattle.
7. Invasion of Foreign Species: Sometimes, intentional or non-intentional introduction of a foreign species endangers the existence of indigenous species. This creates an imbalance in the whole ecosystem.
8. Superstition and Ignorance: Sometimes, superstition and ignorance also threaten a particular species. People in rural parts of Rajasthan believe that Goira (Monitor Lizard) has poisonous breath. Hence, people instantly kill a Goira whenever they see one.
