Leading Causes of Extinction Hotspots are areas that support a rich diversity of species, but many species have become critically endangered due to devastating human activities. Biodiversity loss in many hotspots was mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, themselves due to pollution, overexploitation of resources, deforestation, increasing human population and the introduction of exotic species (Reference Document on Himalayan Ecology, 2010). For the Himalayas, deforestation is one of the main causes of extinction. People in the Himalayas are converting forest to agricultural land and misusing timber, fodder and firewood (WWF, 2011a). Additionally, charcoal production and overgrazing are considered causes of extinction in the Himalayas (WWF, 2011a). Many Himalayans depend on farm animals for their livelihood but do not have enough food for them; as a result, large numbers of grazers end up in the forests, destroying the future of the forest (WWF, 2011a). Furthermore, WWF (2011a) claimed that poaching and illegal wildlife trade are one of the main causes 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 poison to capture fish (WWF, 2011a). Generally speaking, according to the Himalayan Ecology Reference Paper (2010), “habitat destruction and fragmentation have resulted in species vulnerability to inbreeding depression and high infant mortality.” In addition, the creation of certain infrastructures, such...... middle of paper ...... habitats; thus, additional efforts should be made to expand conservation areas in ways that help protect biodiversity for a long time (Conservation International, 2007). In addition, many other projects implemented by the British Aid Agency aim to reduce poverty and increase awareness of natural resources, which 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). Thanks to the protection of rhinos, their number has now increased to more than 1,700 individuals. However, rhino populations live within a single national park and therefore may be exposed to disease outbreaks and poaching that could wipe out the entire population (WWF, 2011c).).