What is considered the second greatest threat to biodiversity?

The introduction of rangeland forage species is a significant factor impacting biodiversity. When non-native forage species are introduced into an ecosystem, they can outcompete native plants for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. This competitive advantage can lead to a decline in native plant populations, which in turn affects the animal species that rely on those plants for food and habitat. This alteration of food webs can disrupt ecosystems, leading to decreased biodiversity.

Understanding the implications of introducing non-native species is crucial. While other factors, such as climate change, urban development, and invasive insects, also pose substantial threats to biodiversity, the introduction of rangeland forage species specifically alters the landscape by replacing native flora. This not only affects the immediate areas where these species are introduced but also has cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, undermining ecological balance.