Rainforest Destruction:
Understanding the Cross Cutting Issues InvolvedExtinction of Biodiversity
An average of 137 rainforest species are driven to extinction every day. The number one cause is loss of habitat due to logging for lumber or tree clearing to provide land for farming and cattle ranching. Another problem is trade in rainforest species—sometimes legal, sometimes not—for exotic pets and plants; for fur, clothing, and shoes; even for research animals. Pollution from industrial operations like mining and oil extraction also take a toll. Finally, climate change is emerging as a serious threat to rainforest animals; many biologists now believe climate change is second only habitat destruction in its capacity to wipe out species.
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2006/11-07/rain-forest-facts.htm
