Major causes of extinction Hotspots are areas that have a rich diversity of species, but many species have become critically endangered due to devastating human activities. The loss of biodiversity in many hotspots is mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, which in turn has occurred due to pollution, overexploitation of resources, deforestation, increasing human population and introduction of exotic species (Basic Document on Himalayan Ecology, 2010). For the Himalayas, deforestation is one of the main causes of extinction. People living in the Himalayas convert forest into agricultural land and overuse timber, fodder and firewood (WWF, 2011a). Furthermore, charcoal production and overgrazing are considered causes of extinction in the Himalayas (WWF, 2011a). Many Himalayans depend on farm animals for their living but do not have enough food for them; as a result, numerous grazers are found in forests, destroying their future (WWF, 2011a). Furthermore, WWF (2011a) stated that poaching and illegal wildlife trade are a major cause of extinction of endemic species in the region. Due to their high commercial value, some critically endangered species such as the tiger and rhino are poached. Other species, such as deer, are poached for their meat (WWF, 2011a). Similarly, fish poaching is considered a threat to biodiversity because poachers contaminate the river when they use nets and poisons to catch fish (WWF, 2011a). In general, according to the Background paper on Himalayan ecology (2010), “habitat destruction and fragmentation have resulted in the vulnerability of species to inbreeding depression and high infant mortality”. Furthermore, the creation of certain infrastructures, such as...... middle of paper... habitat; therefore, these increased efforts should be made to expand conservation areas to help protect biodiversity for a long time (Conservation International, 2007). Furthermore, many other projects implemented by the British Aid Agency aim to reduce poverty and increase awareness about natural resources and this will result in the conservation of biodiversity (Conservation International, 2007). Other projects aim to protect specific species, such as horned rhinos in India. The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 helped protect species that were on the brink of extinction in 1905 (WWF, 2011c). By protecting rhinos, numbers have now increased to over 1,700 individuals. However, rhino populations live in only one national park, so they could be exposed to epidemics and poaching that could destroy the entire population (WWF, 2011c).