- Generally due to due to destruction, fragmentation or degradation of habitat
- It is the primary threat to the survival of wildlife in the United states
- Three kinds of habitat loss:
- Habitat Destruction: Bulldozing land, cutting down trees, dredging rivers, mowing fields
- Habitat fragmentation: Wildlife habitats have been cut up by roads or development (construction). Other aquatic habitats have been damaged by dams, and other water diversions.
- Habitat degradation: Intensity of fires, as well as other disruptions in the ecosystem, allow for a certain habitat to no longer support wildlife.