BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR ECOSYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY IN SANGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE.

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainability. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and climate change have accelerated biodiversity loss across the globe. This study empirically examineds the extent of biodiversity loss and its implications for ecosystem sustainability using selected ecological indicators. Primary data were collected through field surveys, species inventories, and ecosystem health assessments, while secondary data were obtained from environmental reports and scientific literature. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed to assess trends in species diversity and ecosystem functionality. Findings revealed a significant decline in species richness and abundance, accompanied by reduced ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water regulation, and biological productivity. The study concludes that biodiversity loss poses a serious threat to ecosystem sustainability and recommends the integration of biodiversity conservation into environmental management policies and sustainable development strategies. KEYWORDS: Biodiversity loss, ecosystem sustainability, species diversity, environmental degradation, conservation INTRODUCTION Biodiversity, the variety and variability of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels is fundamental to the functioning and resilience of natural systems. Dasgupta et al., (2025) explained that it underpins vital ecosystem