The main causes of species endangerment and extinction

Prior to the mid-20^th century, rampant hunting of terrestrial animals was the principal threat to species in the United States. More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the primary causes of endangerment and extinction for animals and plants. Invasive species, pollution, and disease are also major threats, while overexploitation of animals and plants continues. In the coming decades, rapid climate change will exacerbate these problems, posing wide-spread threats to many taxa.