Threats to Wildlife

Habitat Loss

Habitat loss—due to destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of habitat—is the primary threat to the survival of wildlife in the United States.

Climate Change

Climate change is quickly becoming the biggest threat to the long-term survival of America’s wildlife.

Disease

Habitat loss, climate change, and a lack of biodiversity can all make ecosystems unhealthy, putting wildlife at greater risk for disease.

Pollution

Every day the byproducts of our daily lives make their way via the air and water into the natural environment and become pollutants.

Invasive Species

The impacts of invasive species on our natural ecosystems and economy cost billions of dollars each year. Many of our commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities depend on healthy native ecosystems.

Overexploitation

Overexploitation is the over use of wildlife and plant species by people for food, clothing, pets, medicine, sport and many other purposes.