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Extirpation refers to the complete destruction or eradication of something, often used to describe the wiping out of a species from a specific area, also known as local extinction. This is distinct from global extinction, which means a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.123

Conservation efforts aim to prevent species loss by identifying and reducing the factors that cause extinction. A primary driver of extinction is habitat loss. Conservationists work to protect and restore habitats, remove invasive species, and reduce direct harvesting or incidental catch of non-target species.423

In some cases, conservation may involve reintroducing species to their native habitats. However, many conservation programs, such as removing invasive species, can be expensive.54

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