Manmade Causes of Extinction for Endangered Animals

Man is causing the extinction of endangered animals all over the world. It is estimated that the man-made destruction of the South American rain forests is causing the extinction of approximately 27,000 species each year, according to the PBS Evolution Library website. This number includes bacteria and micro-organisms as well as larger animals. There are several other man-made causes of extinction for endangered animals that are eliminating entire species permanently.

  1. Hunting

    • Hunting can be used to control wild animal populations that occur in areas developed by humans. But illegal hunting and poaching threatens wild animal populations, and often goes after species that are already endangered. For example, whaling is supposed to be regulated by the International Whaling Commission. But, according to the World Wildlife Foundation's website, approximately 1,000 whales are killed illegally every year.

    Man-Made Migration

    • Man-made migration happens when people introduce an animal to a foreign environment. This may not destroy the species being introduced, but it can destroy the native species. For example, if an aggressive species of fish is brought to a foreign environment, then it can start to feed on smaller native fish to the point where the smaller fish go extinct.

    Expansion

    • As humans develop more land for their own use, they are destroying the habitat of the animals that used to live there. Persistent expansion of human civilization destroys the homes and food sources for the native animals. If the animals are unable to adapt, then the entire species will go extinct.

    Pollution

    • Man-made pollution can destroy animal species in the air, water and on the ground. Smoke stacks and car exhaust fumes that are poured into the air can contaminate entire species of birds until they are extinct. The pollution in small lakes, ponds and rivers can eliminate species of fish, and the land animals that rely on the water and fish for their survival would go extinct as well.