The major factors responsible for the loss of biodiversity include the growth in human population, which has accelerated the consumption of natural resources. Over-exploitation of resources and deforestation have become rampant to fulfil the needs of the large population, especially in tropical regions that contain about 50 per cent of the species on the earth.

Natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and droughts cause damage to flora and fauna. Pesticides and pollutants like hydrocarbons and toxic heavy metals destroy weak and sensitive species. The introduction of exotic species into natural ecosystems causes extensive damage to biotic communities. Poaching and hunting of animals like tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros for their horn, tusks, and hides has rendered certain organisms endangered.

To prevent biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need to educate people to adopt environment-friendly practices and reorient activities for sustainable development. The involvement of local communities and individuals is essential, along with the development of institutional structures at local levels.

The Convention of Biodiversity was signed by the Government of India along with 155 other nations at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The World Conservation Strategy suggests that efforts should be made to preserve endangered species. It is our ethical responsibility to recognize that each species has an intrinsic right to exist, and we must live and let other species also live.