Why is land use change a threat to biodiversity?

Why is land use change a threat to biodiversity?

Land use change is a threat to biodiversity because it involves the conversion of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, into human-dominated landscapes for various purposes, including agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development. This alteration of land use disrupts ecosystems and destroys or fragments habitats, leading to the loss of biodiversity. It reduces the availability of suitable habitats for many species, disrupts their natural migration patterns, and limits their access to resources necessary for survival, such as food and shelter. Land use change also increases the risk of invasive species colonization and the spread of diseases, further impacting biodiversity. Additionally, the conversion of natural habitats often involves the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on both the targeted and non-targeted species. Overall, land use change poses a significant threat to biodiversity by directly and indirectly causing habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, ultimately leading to the decline and extinction of many species.