Threats to Wildlife

The National Wildlife Federation

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There are few places left on the planet where the impact of people has not been felt. We have explored and left our footprint on nearly every corner of the globe. As our population and needs grow, we are leaving less and less room for wildlife.

Wildlife are under threat from many different kinds of human activities, from directly destroying habitat to spreading invasive species and disease. Most ecosystems are facing multiple threats. Each new threat puts additional stress on already weakened ecosystems and their wildlife.

Learn about some of greatest threats to the survival of wildlife in the U.S.

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.

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Where We Work

More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.

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