More often than not, when agriculture and farming is talked about, the discussion will lead to the farmers, the end users, or the environment. Never will people hear anything about animals and wildlife when comes to the topic of agriculture. And with this neglect with animal and wildlife survival, the threat of extinction is upon them.

According to a study done by lead author Hugh Wright, of the University of East Anglia's School of Environmental Sciences, a number of species in the developing world, which are dependent on human agriculture for survival, are now being threatened.

Wright's study suggests that many species that depend on farmlands for their natural habitat are at risk of extinction without it. The researchers cited the white-shouldered ibis in Cambodia, the sociable lapwing in Kazakhstan, and the liben lark in Etheoipoia as those who rely on local farmlands.

This is because these animals that are at risk greatly benefit from the traditional agricultural practices that promote low ecological impact. Some of the practices that benefit the wildlife are letting the animals graze on land where rare species breed and feed, and growing cereal crops which provide them with a rich source of food.

And these traditional agricultural practices are disappearing thanks to industrial, large-scale agriculture and local economic development, the researchers warned. They noted that valuable farmland landscapes must be identified and support for local people's traditional practices must be encouraged so as to keep the biodiversity intact.

At present, research found that there is at least 30 threatened or near threatened species relying on farmland in the developing world. And that number could increase if more studies were done, the researchers said.

Similar to the findings of Wright, a report done by BBC said that there is the threat of extinction looming among domestic and farm animals, with rates as fast as two breeds a week.

This is because of uniformity, reported David Johnson of InfoPlease.com. Every commercial farmer rely on certain species that can produce the most meat or the most milk, and with this comes standardization of breeds in areas wherein these animals may not be suitable - this can lead to their extinction.