Human activities are also
responsible for the decline of
biodiversity, including the extinction of
species. Increased human population,
destruction or fragmentation of
habitats, pollution, and climate change
or global warming are just some of the
human-influenced factors that play
significant roles in the decline of
biodiversity.

Overhunting, introducing
foreign species that compete
with native species and
removing natural predators
also have negative effects on
biodiversity.

1. Habitat Destruction
In the Philippines, deforestation
is a leading cause of habitat
destruction. Remember that
rainforests serve as home to
countless animals and plants.
Habitat destruction negatively
impacts biodiversity on an
exponential scale.

2. Bottom trawling or dragging
This is a fishing method in which
a boat drags a net along the
ocean bottom, scooping up sea
life but also damaging the
structure of the marine
community. Banning this method
can give “breathing space” to our
seas; it can also allow many
marine species to recover.

3. Pesticide Pollution
Dichlorodiphenyltichloroethane
(DDT) is used to kill insects. It is
sprayed on bodies of water to kill
mosquito larvae. Some predatory
birds such as hawks and eagles
become weak when they have
high levels of concentrated
pesticides in their bodies.

A. Extinct (EX) – This category
means that there is no
reasonable doubt that the last
individual has died.
B. Extinct in the Wild (EW) – This
category means that the species
survive in cultivation, in captivity,
or as a naturalized population (or
population) well outside the past
range.

C. Near Threatened (NT) – The
species does not qualify for
Critically Endangered (CR),
Endangered (EN), or Vulnerable
(VU) as of now, but is close to
qualifying for, or is likely to
qualify for, a threatened
category in the near future.

D. Least Concern (LC) – The
species does not qualify for
Critically Endangered (CR),
Endangered (EN), Vulnerable
(VU), or Near Threatened (NT)
categories. Widespread and
abundant taxa are included in
this category.

E. Data Deficient (DD) – there is
inadequate information to make a
direct or indirect assessment of its
risk extinction based on its
distribution and/or population
status. A taxon in this category may
be well studied, and its biology well
known, but appropriate data
onabundance and/or distribution
are lacking. Therefore, DD is not
category of threat.