Many of the native species in Western Asia could be killed off by modern development.  This could mean a major loss of biodiversity for the region.

Plant life is also being greatly threatened.  Use of marginal land for grazing, and overly high levels of grazing, are both responsible for wiping out indigenous plants.  Trees are being lost to deforestation, especially in countries such as Oman, Yemen, and Jordan.

Plant and animal life in marine-based ecosystems is also being threatened by modern factors.  Development onto native habitats is destroying many inhabitants of these ecosystems.

Fish are being killed off in excessive numbers, often at a rate that prevents fish populations from replenishing themselves.  As a result, overall fish populations are declining and the fishing industry is catching less every year.

Because West Asia is so dry, underground water systems have to be tapped to provide water for individual and industrial use.  Depleting underground water supplies are having a major effect on the ecosystems in the region.

In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, plant and animal species that once thrived in these natural spring environments are being eliminated.  Excessive use of underground water supplies led the Azraq Oasis in Jordan to be classified as a wetland.

Deforestation, other forms of habitat destruction, and hunting are all threatening wildlife in Western Asia.  Animals such as fallow deer, ostrich, wild goat, and antelope are threatened, and many other species may be lost without people ever knowing.