The impact of armed conflict on biodiversity

War has profound and often detrimental effects on biodiversity, leading to significant ecological disruptions and loss of species. Some key impacts of war on biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, and loss of species. Wars disrupt conservation efforts by diverting resources, away from conservation activities, disrupting fieldwork, and undermining governance structures. Protected areas may be neglected or encroached upon, and conservation personnel may be forced to evacuate conflict zones, leaving wildlife and ecosystems vulnerable to exploitation and degradation. Addressing the impacts of war on biodiversity requires concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels, including conflict prevention and resolution, sustainable development strategies, conservation planning in conflict-prone areas, and post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts that prioritize environmental restoration and conservation. In this brief review, we summarize the main impacts of war on biodiversity.