What is one major cause of biodiversity loss?

One major cause of biodiversity loss is the introduction of new species to existing habitats. When non-native species are brought into an ecosystem, they can disrupt the balance of that environment. These invasive species often compete with native species for resources such as food and space, which can lead to declines in native populations. Additionally, they may introduce new diseases or parasites that local species are not equipped to handle. The overall consequence is a reduction in the variety of species, which diminishes the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystem.

While protecting wildlife through laws and expanding protected areas can help conserve biodiversity, these actions do not cause loss. In fact, they are more likely to support biodiversity conservation efforts. On the other hand, a reduction in habitat variety is a result of habitat destruction and fragmentation, which, although harmful, is a separate issue from the direct introduction of species. Hence, introducing new species poses a significant and direct threat to the existing biodiversity in an ecosystem.