Threats to Biodiversity

Running Head THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

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Birds in the Hawaiian ecosystem are facing extinction due to degradation and loss of their habitat from effects of animals such as the feral ungulates . These animals eat native plants and destroy ground cover through their hooves and grazing activities . According to the bird channel website , there has been a 64 reduction in the birds ' population during the period 1973-2000 . It is estimated that nearly two thirds of birds ' extinctions in the United States have happened

in Hawaii 's habitats . These birds are also killed by avian malaria transmitted by mosquitoes . In to restore the Hawaiian ecosystem , the population of ungulate animals needs to be regulated . Birds such as the Akikiki and Akekee have already been classified among the birds facing extinction through the Endangered Species Act (ESA

Animals such as feral pigs are usually omnivorous and chew tree trunks leaving holes . They also eat immature trees and young seedlings . Rain water collects in these hollows creating breeding places for mosquitoes This facilitates the spread of malaria . Their hooves also leave behind pits which may form shallow ponds on the ground that acts as breeding places . The Axis deer and feral sheep feed on native trees and seedlings that birds depend upon as sources of their food . This has led to devastating effects on the survival of birds such as the honey creeper Destruction of seeds and seedlings result to food shortages as a result of...