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Habitat Loss Fact Sheet Each species evolves to thrive in its own particular ecological niche - or habitat - and has adapted to live within a particular temperature range and with particular plants and animals. For 85% of all species, habitat loss is the main threat (source: IUCN) The Problem With a world population of more than 7 billion, the pressure on land for agriculture, housing, roads, industry, mines and refineries is increasing rapidly. Habitat loss is a global problem: pollution, climate change and the continuing spread of the human population with its insatiable demand for land and resources is having a devastating effect on all biomes across the planet: seas, rivers, lakes, coastlines, mountains, savannahs, rainforests, deserts. Habitat Loss FACTS 50% The challenge that we humans face is to live in a way which is sustainable and reduces the impact to our planet and the rich variety of life it supports. Around of the world’s original forests have already gone and are being destroyed at a rate 10 times faster than they can re-grow. Effects of Habitat Loss 17 million hectares of forest Deforestation - forests cover 30% of the planet’s land area but are home to around 80% of its terrestrial species. Thousands of species are threatened with extinction, many of them before they have even been discovered or named. Deforestation contributes to pollution and climate change. Degradation of seas and coastlines - oceans cover 71% of our planet’s surface and make up 95% of all the habitat available to life. Pollution, climate change and human impact are changing the shape and function of coastal land and causing sea temperatures and levels to rise and the water to become more acid. The world’s coral reefs and the species which they support are endangered. September 2013 Desertification - climate change, deforestation and overgrazing are causing habitats to change and scientists expect that large areas of land will become deserts. Estimates suggest that 35% of the earth’s land surface is at risk, and the livelihoods of 850 million people are directly affected .The Sahara desert is thought to be advancing southwards by about 5-10 kilometres per year. For more information see www.davidshepherd.org a year are disappearing, mostly for agriculture and grazing to provide food for a rapidly growing population as well as for building and fuel. 37% In 1994, it was estimated that of the global population lived within 60 km of the coast. Many coastal areas will disappear if sea levels rise as predicted. Arctic sea ice could disappear within 70 years, and polar bears may become extinct 70% Our oceans provide of our oxygen, distribute warmth around the planet and regulate our weather.