What effect does overexploitation have on wildlife populations?

Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable harvesting of wildlife resources, often exceeding the population's ability to reproduce and recover. This situation directly contributes to significant declines in wildlife populations and can even push certain species towards extinction. When animals are hunted, fished, or gathered at rates that exceed their reproductive capabilities, the balance of the population is disrupted. In many cases, this results in a reduction of genetic diversity, which further hinders the ability of these populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions and leads to decreased resilience.

In contexts where species are heavily exploited, such as in fisheries or wildlife trade, entire ecosystems can be affected as species play critical roles in their habitats. Removal of keystone or culturally significant species can alter food webs and lead to unforeseen ecological consequences. Therefore, overexploitation is primarily associated with negative outcomes for wildlife populations and ecosystems, underscoring the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure the longevity and health of wildlife and their habitats.