Biodiversity Loss and Causes: Causes, Effects, & Facts

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:14 PM IST

What Is Biodiversity?

Bio-diversity is the distribution of all the forms of life in the context of the prevailing ecosystem and biotic regions as well as the globe at large this includes intra-, inter- and eco-systemological diversities. It is necessary for sustaining organism and community adaptive potential, habitat, and the myriad of existent goods that people rely on including food, water, treatments and regulation of climate. However, the global composition of species is currently threatened by different human endogenous activities like deforestation, pollution of ecological systems, over-exploitation, and most recently, climate change.

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What Is Biodiversity?
Levels Of Biodiversity
The levels of Biodiversity are described below-
Causes Of Biodiversity Loss
IUCN
Recommended video on Biodiversity Loss
Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity Loss and Causes: Causes, Effects, & Facts

These factors play a role in the depletion of the species diversity that results in deterioration of the ecosystems and non-optimal quality of life of people. This paper aims to describe what biodiversity is and why it is significant, the factors leading to its degradation as well as its impacts on humanity and the earth’s environment, and finally, the ways and measures employed to protect this crucial asset.

Levels Of Biodiversity

The levels of Biodiversity are described below-

Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity simply means the variation of genes in species. It comprises variations in DNA sequences of two individuals of the same species and is very essential for species’ flexibility and existence. Minimising inbreeding also enhances species’ capacity to fix new declined genetic variations to demographic and disease stresses that are imperative for the revitalization of species.

Species Diversity

Species diversity is therefore defined as the number and distribution of species in a specified area or habitat. It includes two components: diversity, that is the number of species and density of specific species or the proportional distribution of each species in any location. This implies that a high number of species is likely to boost the productivity and stability of the ecosystem since each species contributes to its specific role in an ecosystem.

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Ecosystem Diversity

This was the extent of the ecosystem diversity which is defined as the distribution of different ecosystems in geographical space. This is composed of a variety of physical environments, species populations and structures as well as biological phenomena. Forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs, each of these areas are inhabited by different species, and at the same time satisfy various functions and services. Thus, the protection of ecosystem diversity contributes positively to the sustainability of these services and the stability of the biosphere.

Causes Of Biodiversity Loss

The causes of the loss of Biodiversity are described below-

Habitat Destruction

Among the causes of the reduced rate of biological diversity, the issue of habitat degradation is on the primary list since the area of the offered natural dwelling places is mostly restricted.

Deforestation: Deforestation for timber production, conversion of land to agriculture and for human settlement, kills off several species’ habitats. It does not only refer to the elimination of trees but also the alteration of habitats that result in the elimination and extinction of species living in the forest.

Urbanization: As people built their cities larger and larger, this pressured the natural ecosystems restricting them in terms of space and isolating wildlife. Urbanization is usually followed by pollution, changes in land cover, and the introduction of species that are new to the area all of which pose more threat to biological diversity.

Agriculture: Land transformation cultivates and intensifies the area of agriculture at the expense of the natural environment. Some agricultural practices like monoculture farming systems, pesticide applications, and the use of irrigation water negatively affect soil health by reducing habitat heterogeneity as well as species diversity. Agriculture taking over natural habitats affects species that originally inhabited those ecosystems in the worst of ways.

Climate Change

Weather change is one of the biggest risks to species and types of natural habitats affecting species’ existence and geographic distribution.

Global Warming: Having already been stated, was that global warming caused by greenhouse gases alters the physiologic conditions, phenology and geographic distribution of the species. Organisms that are best suited to the prevailing temperatures may experience a decline in populations and or changes in species representation in the community.

Ocean Acidification: The increased amount of CO2 in the atmosphere dissolves in seawater resulting in ocean acidification. Acidification leaves the water solution low in carbonate ions that are crucial in the formation of shells within the ocean’s life forms, corals, molluscs and some species of plankton. This also has negative impacts on aquatic organisms and their distribution altering the species' abundance in the coastal and ocean habitats.

Pollution

Environmental pollution is a major menace to biological diversity because it impacts abiotic components and depresses the living conditions of species.

Air Pollution: Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxides from cars, factories and farming damage plants and animals through photochemical smog.

Water Pollution: In industrial processes, the direct disposal of waste products, agricultural effluents and the disposal of plastics into water bodies affects the concentration of dissolved oxygen and is detrimental to water-borne creatures.

Soil Pollution: Chemicals used in agriculture and industries pollute the soils which in turn reduce the plant growth and the overall diversity in the soil.

Overexploitation

This means that species are taken or collected from the wild at a pace that does not allow their populations to replenish their numbers, and therefore the negative impact on the general biological diversity.

Overfishing: Currently, destructive forms of fishing like trawling and other forms of poaching lead to the loss of fish stocks and the destruction of the stocks’ habitats. This has the effect of reducing the stock of fish and other species that depend on them as a source of food hence disorganizing the marine ecological structure.

Hunting: Hunting both legal and illegal, especially poaching for bush meat, traditional Asian medicines markets and other trophies impacts particularly endangered species. There is nothing more damaging than the hunting influence exerted on the existence of certain species the and balance of the ecosystem.

Logging: Some of the problems include, selective and destructive methods of logging which include clear-cutting and unauthorised or illegal logging of forest habitat and low species diversity. Logging poses a major threat to the habitats of many species that are unable to adapt to the change because of their large size or other factors.

Invasive Species

The members of an invasive species are organisms that introduce themselves into new geographical locations which are not originally occupied by them and such is usually destructive to the impacted ecosystem.

Definition and Examples: The introduced species can well match the plant, animals or microorganisms that move to a new place intentionally or involuntarily. Examples include; Zebra mussels within the North American regions and cane toads within the Australian regions.

Impact on Native Species: They can ‘interfere with the native species’ means of food and shelter and other absolute prerequisites in habitation as well. It also introduces diseases, parasites and other predators that the native species have never encountered and cannot handle, thereby causing a decline in numbers, and then extinction of some of the species. It also added that invasive species with these characteristics affect the ecological processes and can alter an ecosystem; they reduce the number of species as well as the capacity of ecosystems to self-heal.

Disease

Epizootics and specific diseases and various other ailments: For example, emerging infectious diseases are considered a severe threat to wildlife and also lead to the loss of species diversity.

Emerging Infectious Diseases: These are diseases that have originated in a population within the recent past or they have migrated to new regions. Environmental changes like habitat loss, global warming, and various other anthropogenic activities can potentially lead to diseases’ occurrence and spread in the fauna.

Impact on Wildlife: Disease can prove perilous for species when it results in lots of deaths, lowers the production of offspring as well as reduces the capability of animals to resist other ailments. Thus, diseases can sometimes be the reason for the decrease in population and local extinction, especially if the species or certain populations are genetically impoverished.

IUCN

The role of IUCN in today’s world is indefinable as it works towards the conservation of biological diversity internationally. The IUCN is the world’s biggest and most complex conservation organization consisting of governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and community inhabitants for the solution of conservation issues and undesirable impacts of uncontrolled growth and development. Key roles of the IUCN in biodiversity include: Key roles of the IUCN in biodiversity include:

Red List of Threatened Species: The IUCN Red List evaluates the status of species existing in different habitats described by their vulnerability and the insights into the future of the species serve as the basis for decisions made in the sphere of protection.

Policy and Advocacy: IUCN acts as an information hub part and offers advisory on effective policies and legal standings to governments and international organizations for better conservation laws and protection.

Conservation Projects: Despite its large-scoping network, the IUCN conducts field projects and makes actions that aim at protecting habitats, species, and ecosystems with the primary areas of interest being hotspots and high-value areas.

Capacity Building: The IUCN strengthens its capacity for the conservation of biological diversity in nature and provides training for its members, exchange of information and support to launch and run local and community conservation activities.

Research and Data: Its primary tasks include promoting cooperation and exchange of data on research in the issues related to the changes in the global diversity of species, their threats and the possible conservation measures.

Biodiversity Loss

Biological diversity depletion as a general term implies the decrease in the richness and numbers of species within a certain ecosystem or worldwide. This loss encompasses several categories of species vulnerability: This loss encompasses several categories of species vulnerability:

Endangered Species: Endangered species are those species that have a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild either because of their habitats, over-exploitation, pollution or other deemed factors. For this reason, the conservation of these species aims at stopping their extermination and reviving them.

Vulnerable Species: Species that stand in high danger of becoming endangered should the current fading trend be achieved. The second one is species that are threatened by circumstances that may cause substantial changes in their population size or geographical distribution if nothing is done to conserve them.

Rare Species: These are species that have many individuals and restricted geographical accessibility and this puts them vulnerable to extinction. While it may not be threatened or endangered or at any close threat of becoming so, it is still necessary to protect species which are now relatively rare to aid in their staving off from being eliminated from the face of the earth and ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?

Habitat destruction such as deforestation, and urbanization, over-exploitation such as overfishing and hunting, pollution, which may be air, water or soil pollution, invasion by alien species, climate change, and disease are the major causes of biological diversity decline.

2. How does climate change affect biodiversity?

Climate change translates into changes in ecosystems, species distribution and ranges, the disruption of species’ dependencies and inter-relations, and increased incidences of invasive events. Species that have evolved to a certain climate may fail to exist in conditions that are changing at a much faster rate thus experiencing a decline in their population or even becoming extinct.

3. How does climate change affect biodiversity?

Climate change impacts biodiversity by altering habitats, changing species distributions, disrupting life cycles, and increasing extreme weather events. As temperatures and weather patterns shift, some species may struggle to adapt, leading to population declines or extinctions.

4. What are the effects of biodiversity loss on ecosystems?

Habitat destruction can also lead to increased fluctuations in species abundance in an ecosystem and decreased ability of an ecosystem to be resistant to change in the environment, to altered processes such as pollination, water purification, and nutrient cycling. It can also result in reduced profitability and increased susceptibility to diseases and other pests and weeds, loss of genetic variance which is essential to facilitate evolution.

5. What are some examples of invasive species?

Some of the well-known IAS are the zebra mussel in North America, the cane toad in Australia, the European starling also in North America as well as the Nile perch in Victoria’s Lake. Friends, these species degrade habitats, overcome indigenous ones, and are potential threats to existing species diversities.

6. How can we prevent biodiversity loss?

To prevent biodiversity loss, efforts should focus on: To prevent biodiversity loss, efforts should focus on:

Habitat Conservation: Maintenance of the natural ecosystems and ecological systems we have.
Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishery through improved stock, techniques, environment, and utilisation.
Reducing Pollution: Reducing pollution of air, water, and soil by strict laws and the application of suitable measures in Pollution Control.
Managing Invasive Species: The primary measures focus on the surveillance and regulation of the invasive species.
Climate Action: Economic measures focused on the response to climate change and decreasing GHG emissions, improvement of the resilience action plan.

7. What is the difference between endangered and extinct species?

Endangered species are those at risk of becoming extinct in the near future, while extinct species no longer exist anywhere on Earth. Endangered species still have a chance of recovery through conservation efforts, but extinct species are gone forever.

8. What is the "sixth mass extinction" and why is it significant?

The "sixth mass extinction" refers to the current, human-caused extinction event that is occurring at an unprecedented rate. It is significant because it threatens global biodiversity and ecosystem stability, potentially leading to cascading effects on food webs, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

9. How does invasive species introduction impact native biodiversity?

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, prey on them, or introduce new diseases. This can lead to population declines or extinctions of native species, altering ecosystem dynamics and reducing overall biodiversity.

10. How does pollution affect biodiversity?

Pollution impacts biodiversity by contaminating air, water, and soil, which can harm or kill organisms directly. It can also disrupt ecosystems, alter habitats, and affect species' reproductive success. Types of pollution include chemical, plastic, noise, and light pollution.

11. How does habitat destruction contribute to biodiversity loss?

Habitat destruction is a major cause of biodiversity loss. When natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, or agriculture, species lose their homes and food sources. This can lead to population declines, reduced genetic diversity, and even extinctions.

12. What is overexploitation and how does it contribute to biodiversity loss?

Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable harvesting of species or natural resources. It contributes to biodiversity loss by reducing population sizes, disrupting ecosystems, and potentially leading to species extinctions. Examples include overfishing, poaching, and excessive logging.

13. How do human activities indirectly contribute to biodiversity loss?

Human activities indirectly contribute to biodiversity loss through various means, such as altering global climate patterns, introducing pollutants into ecosystems, fragmenting habitats through infrastructure development, and spreading invasive species through global trade and travel.

14. What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience by providing a variety of species with different roles and adaptations. This diversity allows ecosystems to better withstand and recover from disturbances, as there are more potential species to fill ecological niches if others are lost.

15. How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

Deforestation reduces biodiversity by destroying habitats, fragmenting ecosystems, and disrupting ecological processes. It affects not only forest-dwelling species but also aquatic ecosystems through increased erosion and altered water cycles.

16. What is the role of corridors in biodiversity conservation?

Corridors are areas of habitat that connect otherwise isolated patches, allowing species to move between them. They play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by facilitating gene flow, enabling species migration, and increasing the effective size of habitats, which helps maintain viable populations.

17. What is the impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity?

Plastic pollution harms marine biodiversity through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation. It can cause injury or death to marine animals, introduce toxins into food chains, and alter marine habitats, affecting species from plankton to large marine mammals.

18. How does ocean acidification affect marine biodiversity?

Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, makes it harder for marine organisms like corals and shellfish to build their calcium carbonate structures. This can lead to declines in these species and the many others that depend on them, reducing overall marine biodiversity.

19. How does the loss of top predators affect ecosystem biodiversity?

The loss of top predators can lead to trophic cascades, where the populations of their prey species increase unchecked. This can result in overgrazing or overpredation of other species, altering ecosystem structure and reducing overall biodiversity.

20. What is the concept of "shifting baseline syndrome" in relation to biodiversity loss?

Shifting baseline syndrome refers to the gradual change in perception of what is considered "normal" for an ecosystem over time. As biodiversity declines, each generation may accept the current, degraded state as normal, making it harder to recognize and address long-term biodiversity loss.

21. What is the concept of "functional diversity" and why is it important for ecosystem resilience?

Functional diversity refers to the range of functions performed by different species in an ecosystem. It's important for ecosystem resilience because it ensures that essential ecosystem processes are maintained even if some species are lost. Higher functional diversity generally leads to more stable and resilient ecosystems.

22. How does the loss of apex predators affect trophic cascades and biodiversity?

The loss of apex predators can trigger trophic cascades, where changes at the top of the food chain cause ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. This can lead to overabundance of herbivores, altering plant communities and affecting numerous other species, ultimately reducing overall biodiversity.

23. What is the role of traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation?

Traditional ecological knowledge, held by indigenous and local communities, can provide valuable insights into sustainable resource use and ecosystem management. Incorporating this knowledge into conservation strategies can enhance biodiversity protection and promote more effective, culturally appropriate conservation practices.

24. What is the "island biogeography theory" and how does it relate to habitat fragmentation?

The island biogeography theory suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by immigration and extinction rates, which are influenced by island size and distance from the mainland. In the context of habitat fragmentation, isolated habitat patches act like islands, with smaller and more isolated patches generally supporting less biodiversity.

25. How does ocean warming impact marine biodiversity?

Ocean warming can lead to coral bleaching, changes in species distribution, altered breeding cycles, and increased susceptibility to diseases. It can also reduce oxygen levels in water, creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive, thus significantly impacting marine biodiversity.

26. What is the importance of genetic diversity within species?

Genetic diversity within species is crucial for their long-term survival and adaptability. It provides the raw material for evolution, allowing species to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases. Low genetic diversity can make populations more vulnerable to extinction.

27. What is the role of keystone species in maintaining biodiversity?

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. They play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by influencing the population and behavior of many other species. The loss of a keystone species can lead to dramatic changes in ecosystem structure and biodiversity.

28. What is the concept of "ecosystem engineers" and how do they relate to biodiversity?

Ecosystem engineers are species that significantly modify their environment, creating or maintaining habitats for other species. Examples include beavers building dams or corals creating reefs. The loss of ecosystem engineers can have far-reaching effects on biodiversity by altering entire ecosystems.

29. How does the loss of pollinators impact biodiversity?

Pollinators play a crucial role in plant reproduction for many species. Their decline can lead to reduced plant diversity, which in turn affects the animals that depend on those plants. This can create a cascade effect, potentially leading to significant biodiversity loss across ecosystems.

30. How does biodiversity loss impact food security?

Biodiversity loss can threaten food security by reducing the genetic diversity of crops and livestock, making them more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes. It also affects wild food sources and ecosystem services that support agriculture, such as pollination and pest control.

31. What is biodiversity and why is it important?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. It is important because it maintains the balance of ecosystems, provides resources for human survival and well-being, and contributes to the planet's resilience against environmental changes.

32. What is the concept of "ecosystem services" and how does biodiversity loss affect them?

Ecosystem services are the benefits that nature provides to humans, such as clean air and water, pollination, and climate regulation. Biodiversity loss can reduce the quality and quantity of these services, impacting human well-being and economic stability.

33. How do invasive plants affect native biodiversity?

Invasive plants can outcompete native species for resources, alter habitat structure, change soil chemistry, and disrupt mutualisms between native species. This can lead to reduced native plant diversity and negatively impact animals that depend on native plants, causing cascading effects through the ecosystem.

34. What is the role of fire regimes in maintaining biodiversity, and how does fire suppression affect ecosystems?

Many ecosystems have evolved with natural fire regimes that maintain biodiversity by creating a mosaic of habitats and promoting regeneration. Fire suppression can lead to changes in vegetation structure, accumulation of fuel, and eventual more severe fires, potentially reducing biodiversity in fire-adapted ecosystems.

35. How does the loss of wetlands impact biodiversity?

Wetlands support high biodiversity and provide crucial ecosystem services. Their loss can lead to declines in water birds, fish, amphibians, and many plant species. It also affects water quality, flood control, and carbon storage, indirectly impacting biodiversity in connected ecosystems.

36. How does agricultural intensification impact biodiversity?

Agricultural intensification can reduce biodiversity by converting diverse natural habitats into monocultures, using pesticides that harm non-target species, and depleting soil biodiversity. It can also lead to habitat fragmentation and pollution of nearby ecosystems.

37. What is the "edge effect" and how does it relate to biodiversity loss?

The edge effect refers to the changes in species composition and abundance that occur at the boundary between two habitat types. As habitats become fragmented, the increased proportion of edge habitat can negatively impact species that require large, undisturbed areas, leading to biodiversity loss.

38. What is the "extinction debt" and why is it a concern for biodiversity conservation?

Extinction debt refers to the future extinctions that are likely to occur due to past habitat destruction or fragmentation. It's a concern because even if habitat loss stops immediately, species may continue to go extinct for years or decades afterward, making biodiversity loss a long-term problem.

39. What is the relationship between poverty and biodiversity loss?

Poverty and biodiversity loss are often interconnected. Poor communities may rely heavily on natural resources, leading to overexploitation. Conversely, biodiversity loss can exacerbate poverty by reducing access to ecosystem services and natural resources that support livelihoods.

40. How do dams and river modifications affect freshwater biodiversity?

Dams and river modifications can disrupt natural flow patterns, alter water temperatures, and create barriers to species migration. This can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems, and declines in freshwater biodiversity, particularly affecting species like fish and amphibians.

41. What is the impact of light pollution on biodiversity?

Light pollution can disrupt natural day-night cycles, affecting animal behavior, migration patterns, and reproductive cycles. It can disorient nocturnal species, alter predator-prey relationships, and even impact plant growth and pollination, leading to biodiversity loss in affected areas.

42. How does the wildlife trade contribute to biodiversity loss?

The wildlife trade, both legal and illegal, can lead to overexploitation of species, spread diseases, and introduce invasive species to new environments. This can result in population declines, ecosystem disruptions, and potential extinctions, particularly for rare or endangered species.

43. How does noise pollution impact biodiversity?

Noise pollution can interfere with animal communication, mating calls, and predator-prey interactions. It can cause stress in animals, affecting their behavior, reproduction, and survival. This can lead to changes in species composition and reduced biodiversity in affected areas.

44. How does soil degradation contribute to biodiversity loss?

Soil degradation reduces soil biodiversity and affects plant growth, which in turn impacts the entire ecosystem. It can lead to decreased productivity, loss of habitat, and reduced ability of the land to support diverse species, contributing to overall biodiversity loss.

45. How does urbanization affect biodiversity?

Urbanization can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. It often results in the loss of native species and the homogenization of urban ecosystems. However, urban areas can also support biodiversity through proper planning and management of green spaces.

46. How does climate change-induced sea level rise affect coastal biodiversity?

Sea level rise can lead to the loss of coastal habitats like mangroves, salt marshes, and nesting beaches. This affects species that depend on these habitats and can lead to coastal squeeze, where species are trapped between rising seas and human development, potentially causing local extinctions.

47. What is the "extinction vortex" and how does it relate to small populations?

The extinction vortex is a process where genetic, demographic, and environmental factors interact to push small populations towards extinction. As populations become smaller, they become more vulnerable to inbreeding, genetic drift, and random events, creating a downward spiral that can lead to extinction.

48. What is the concept of "rewilding" and how can it contribute to biodiversity conservation?

Rewilding involves restoring ecosystems by reintroducing key species, often large herbivores or predators, and allowing natural processes to reassert themselves. This approach can increase biodiversity by recreating complex ecological interactions and restoring ecosystem functions.

49. How does antibiotic resistance in the environment affect biodiversity?

Antibiotic resistance genes in the environment can spread to various bacteria, potentially creating "superbugs" that affect both wildlife and humans. This can alter microbial communities, impact decomposition processes, and affect the health of various species, indirectly influencing biodiversity.

50. What is the "dilution effect" hypothesis in disease ecology, and how does it relate to biodiversity?

The dilution effect hypothesis suggests that higher biodiversity can reduce the transmission of certain diseases. In diverse communities, there are more potential hosts, some of which may be less competent at transmitting diseases, thus "diluting" the overall transmission rate. This highlights another potential benefit of maintaining biodiversity.

51. How does the loss of animal seed dispersers affect plant biodiversity?

Many plants rely on animals for seed dispersal. The loss of these dispersers, such as large frugivorous birds or mammals, can lead to reduced plant recruitment, altered plant community composition, and potentially long-term declines in plant diversity, especially for species with large seeds.

52. What is the concept of "dark diversity" and why is it important for conservation?

Dark diversity refers to the set of species that could potentially inhabit an area but are currently absent. Understanding dark diversity is important for conservation as it helps identify which species could be reintroduced or naturally colonize an area, guiding restoration efforts and biodiversity management.

53. How does the loss of biodiversity affect the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases?

Biodiversity loss can increase the risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread. In less diverse ecosystems, certain species may become overabundant, increasing contact between these species and humans. Additionally, the loss of biodiversity can disrupt natural disease regulation processes, potentially leading to more frequent disease outbreaks.

54. What is the "portfolio effect" in ecology, and how does it relate to biodiversity and ecosystem stability?

The portfolio effect in ecology is analogous to diversifying investments in finance. Greater biodiversity acts like a diverse portfolio, where different species respond differently to environmental changes. This diversity of responses helps maintain overall ecosystem stability and productivity in the face of disturbances.

55. How does the concept of "novel ecosystems" challenge traditional approaches to biodiversity conservation?

Novel ecosystems are those that have been heavily influenced by human activity and contain new combinations of species. They challenge traditional conservation approaches that focus on preserving or restoring historical ecosystem states. Understanding and managing novel ecosystems is becoming increasingly important for maintaining biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.