Present-day Risk of Extinctions

Extinctions can occur anywhere, however they are most likely to be seen in areas densely populated by humans. A large concentration of humans puts stress on animal communities because of how we interact and manipulate nature to best suit our way of life. We clear-cut forests and burn savannahs to make way for our corn fields and shopping malls. Development forces animals to move outside of their natural range into suboptimal habitats, which can led to extinction if the animals cannot adapt.

http://www.unl.edu/nac/conservation/atlas/Map_Html/Biodiversity/National/NRI_T&E_Species/T&E_Species.htm

In the areas that there are a large number of endangered species there is also a large increase in population.

http://www.censusscope.org/us/map_popchange_90-00.html

With an increase in population comes two things: fragmentation of the wilderness and conversion of land from its natural state into either agriculture or for housing purposes. Fragmentation occurs when a habitat is being split into smaller and smaller pieces. The road and highway system in the United States is extremely convenient for us, but for every new stretch of highway that is laid, a species may become isolated from the rest of its population.

So why does loss of habitat lead to extinctions? As pockets of specie become separated through conversion and fragmentation, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to adapt to the changes in the environment. If a small population dies off, individuals from a larger population of the same species may be able to repopulate area. However, human activities are driving populations farther apart and are severely limiting how well a species can cope with shifts in the environment.

Conclusion