What causes an animal or plant to become endangered?

1. Habitat loss: This is the single biggest cause of endangerment. As human populations grow and more land is cleared for development, animals and plants lose their homes and sources of food and shelter.

2. Hunting and poaching: Animals are hunted for their meat, fur, or other body parts, while plants are often collected for their medicinal or decorative value. Unsustainable hunting and poaching practices can quickly deplete populations.

3. Pollution: Chemicals and other pollutants from factories, farms, and vehicles can contaminate air, water, and soil, making them unsafe for animals and plants.

4. Climate change: Rising global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems and make it difficult for animals and plants to survive.

5. Disease: Diseases can spread quickly through animal and plant populations, decimating them in a short period of time.

6. Invasive species: Non-native species that are introduced to an area can compete with native species for food and resources, and can also transmit diseases.

7. Overpopulation: In some cases, an animal or plant population can become so large that it outstrips the resources available to it, leading to decline.

8. Human-wildlife conflict: Animals that come into contact with humans, such as through hunting, livestock depredation, or vehicle collisions, can be killed or injured.