How many extinctions since the 1600s have been directly due to human activities?

The number of extinctions directly attributed to human activities since the 1600s is estimated to be around 392 species. This figure reflects the significant impact that humans have had on biodiversity through various means such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species introduction, and climate change. Each of these factors has contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of numerous species.

The estimate of 392 includes well-documented cases where human influence has been a clear and direct cause of extinction. For example, the dodo bird and the passenger pigeon are notable species that went extinct primarily due to human actions, such as hunting and habitat alteration. This number highlights the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species and their habitats.

Understanding the scale of this impact underscores the necessity for sustainable practices and policies that can help mitigate further loss of biodiversity in the future.