Biodiversity Atlas LA

Birds   |   Herptiles   |   Insects   |   Mammals   |   Plants

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Species extinctions have occurred naturally throughout history, but scientific evidence suggests that human activity has accelerated the extinction rate. Habitat loss and degradation (e.g. from deforestation, development, or pollution) threaten the survival of species and their habitats.

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The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provides vulnerable species with special protections that limit human use of the organism. In order to be listed as "endangered" or "threatened," a species has often lost a large percentage of its habitat, is being over-consumed (e.g. over-fished or over-hunted), or is threatened by other anthropogenic factors. An endangered species are considered to be at risk of extinction, while a threatened species is at risk of endangerment. A sensitive species requires special management in order to prevent it from becoming listed.