Habitat destruction is the process in which natural
habitat is rendered functionally unable to support the species present. In this process, the organisms that previously used the site are displaced or destroyed, reducing
biodiversity. Habitat destruction by human activity is mainly for the purpose of harvesting
natural resources for industry production and
urbanization. Clearing habitats for
agriculture is the principal cause of habitat destruction. Other important causes of habitat destruction include
mining,
logging,
trawling and
urban sprawl. Habitat destruction is currently ranked as the primary cause of species
extinction worldwide. It is a process of natural environmental change that may be caused by
habitat fragmentation, geological processes,
climate change or by human activities such as the introduction of
invasive species, ecosystem nutrient depletion, and other human activities