Many habitats around the world are threatened. Living things rely on their habitats. This
means that animals living in threatened habitats will also be threatened themselves. Loss of
habitats can cause other problems such as fl ooding or climate change.
Deforestati on is when forests are destroyed. Trees are cut down so that the wood (called
ti mber) can be sold. Trees are cut down so roads or houses can be built. Many forests are
destroyed for grazing catt le or growing crops. There are many people on the planet to feed
so more farmland is needed.
The UK used to be covered in forests. Most are now gone. The Amazon Rainforest in South
America is also disappearing. It is home to many precious animals and plants. Jaguars prowl
among the trees. Harpy eagles soar above. Insects and snakes hide under the leaves. Some
living things haven’t even been discovered. If the Amazon is destroyed we may never know
them.
Wetlands are areas where the land is covered by water. Marshes, ponds or fl oodplains are
all wetlands. They are important habitats. They help fi ght global warming and they are
home to important species. Wetlands are being destroyed by polluti on. Some are also being
drained so they can be built on. Citi es are growing and people need homes.
Coral reefs are ancient habitats under the sea. Coral is a living thing. Lots of fi sh and other
sea creatures live among the coral. Plants can grow there too. Coral reefs are in danger.
They are sensiti ve to polluti on and climate change. Coral is very delicate and can be killed
by boats or fi shing nets. It can even be harmed if people touch it. Coral takes a long ti me
to recover and it is being destroyed too quickly. This is terrible news for all the living things
who make the reefs their home Closer to home, hedgerows are strips of shrubs and trees. They used to be verycommon. They provide an important habitat. Birds nest in them and eat the seeds and
berries. Insects like bees, flies and butterflies live in them. Mammals like hedgehogs shelter
under them. However, many hedges have been removed. Hedges between fields have
been removed to make bigger fields. It means more land for farming. The farm machines
that are used are too big to navigate between hedges too. Removing hedges means fewer
hedgehogs, birds and insects. It can also increase flooding. Now, old or important hedges
are protected to try to stop them being lost. Is it too little too late though? | Chalk