6 Overexploitation

Overexploitation refers to the excessive use of natural resources at rates far greater than they are able to replenish themselves. Basically, we are using resources at a faster pace than we should be and so these resources will eventually run out. Deforestation, overfishing and overhunting are all forms of overexploitation. By overhunting one species, human can kill that species faster than it can replenish. But how does overexploitation effect biodiversity?

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Adopted from: "Overexploitation | Wikipedia audio article" by Wikipidea tts is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Overexploitation, also called overharvesting can lead to resource destruction, including extinction at the population level and even extinction of whole species. Overharvesting not only threatens the resource being harvested, but can directly impact humas as well – for example by decreasing the biodiversity necessary for medicinal resources.

Overexploitation is one of five primary activities threatening global biodiversity; others include pollution, introduced or invasive species, habitat fragmentation and habitat destruction. Overexploitation of species can also result in cascade effects, particularly if a habitat loses its apex predator. Because of loss of the top predator, a dramatic increase in their prey species can occur. In turn, the unchecked prey can then overexploit their own food resources until population numbers dwindle, possibly to the point of extinction.