Summary
Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
In depth
HIPPO: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth (human) and Overharvesting. Climate change is now an increasing driver. IPBES estimates about 1 million species face extinction.
Threats interact (synergy). Climate change magnifies others. Drivers are linked to consumption and population.
Example: invasive species plus habitat loss is deadly on islands.
The main threats are often summarised as HIPPO: Habitat destruction and fragmentation (the biggest), Invasive species, Pollution, human Population growth with its consumption, and Overexploitation (hunting, fishing, wildlife trade). Climate change is now an additional and growing driver, sometimes added as the C in HIPPCO.
Threats interact: habitat loss makes species more vulnerable to climate change, and invasive species spread easily in disturbed areas. The 2019 IPBES assessment estimated that around 1 million species are at risk of extinction, and found land and sea use change to be the largest direct driver, followed by direct exploitation, climate change, pollution and invasives.
Example: amphibians are hit by habitat loss, climate change and chytrid fungus together.
Key idea: addressing one threat alone is often not enough.
Frequently asked questions
What is Threats to Biodiversity?
Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
Which area of biology covers Threats to Biodiversity, and how advanced is it?
Threats to Biodiversity is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Endangered Species, Habitat Loss, Endemic Species.
Can you give an example of Threats to Biodiversity?
Overfishing collapsed Atlantic cod stocks in the 1990s.
What should I learn before Threats to Biodiversity?
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Threats to Biodiversity. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Threats to Biodiversity?
The closest topics to Threats to Biodiversity are Endangered Species, Habitat Loss, Endemic Species, Conservation Genomics. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Threats to Biodiversity?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Threats to Biodiversity. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Threats to Biodiversity different from Endangered Species?
Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO. Endangered Species: Species at high risk of extinction, listed on the IUCN Red List. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Threats to Biodiversity step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Endangered Species and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.