What is an effect of the feather trade on wildlife species?

The feather trade has significantly contributed to the decline and potential extinction of certain wildlife species, particularly those that are hunted for their plumage. The high demand for feathers, especially in fashion, adornments, and cultural artifacts, has led to unsustainable harvesting practices. As a result, bird populations cannot sustain the level of removal without facing serious threats to their survival. This can lead to drastic population reductions and, in some cases, the complete extinction of species that are unable to cope with the pressures of the trade. Efforts to protect these species are critical, as the loss of any species disrupts ecological balance and can have cascading effects on their ecosystems.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of the feather trade. For instance, while increased populations and enhanced biodiversity may seem like positive outcomes, they do not occur as a result of the feather trade—in fact, the opposite is true, as the trade undermines these ecological aspects. Similarly, the idea of stabilization of ecosystems does not align with the reality of the trade, which instead leads to instability by removing key species.