What does the word "habitat" mean? The habitat of a plant or animal is the physical space where it lives and usually includes the necessary comforts for life, including food, water and shelter.

What causes habitat losses? There are many things that affect habitat loss or degradation. Some examples include human development activities such as clearing land for agriculture or draining wetlands for housing developments. These activities sometimes also come with increased pollutants which can cause habitats to sustain damage. Another factor is the overtaking of natural habitats by invasive exotic species which crowd out native plants and animals. In some cases habitats are limited, instead of eliminated, which crowds species into smaller spaces.

Why is habitat loss such a problem? Many legally protected species are experiencing declining populations due to habitat loss or minimization. Because there are legal protections, such as the federal endangered species act, individuals, businesses and governments must take actions to protect habitats associated with designated species. In addition, when species are lost from an area, or when they are in very low numbers, their function within the habitat is also lost. The loss of one species may cause other species to experience starvation or loss of shelter or other myriad effects.