Is biodiversity of the tropical islands decreasing?

Biodiversity is the variety of life including animals,
plants, fungi, protists, bacteria found in the ecosystem. Tropical islands such as those
in the Caribbean, are experiencing decreased biodiversity. There are many factors that
can affect the numbers and varieties of organisms in an area. The greater the species
richness,  the healthier the planet will remain. There are estimates that approximately
30% of current species will become extinct by 2050. Islands are most vulnerable to
factors affecting biodiversity because these are smaller areas, they are separate from
the mainland and pressures can have a greater affect in these isolated locations. The
introduction of exotic species can wreak havoc on an island. A non-native species can
outcompete the indigenous species for food and space and can cause its extinction. It
might not have any predators to keep its numbers in check. Habitat destruction can
affect biodiversity by deforestation to clear land for farming. Habitat destruction
means less areas for species to nest, thrive, hunt and ultimately, might mean their
demise. In tropical rainforests, increased rates of extinction are being driven by human
consumption of goods taken from the rainforest, including lumber, foods and other
organic products. Cutting down rainforests, to provide farmlands and orchards is leading
to loss of species like songbirds, rare plants and other animals. Biodiversity is
necessary for the health of the planet so that water can be purified, air can be
replenished, excess carbon dioxide can be fixed by plants into glucose, rather than
remaining in the air adding to global warming.