The Afro-Alpine habitats, represented by the Simen and Bale Parks and the lowland habitats represented by Abijata-Shala, Awash, Nechisar and Yangudi-Rassa Parks give sanctuary for large mammals, threatened and endemic birds and spectacular game animals.

However, increasing humans demands have led to a great portion of the biological resources being used in an unsustainable manner. The major cause of most environmental problems is the rapidly growing human population. Meeting the basic needs of all these people-for food, housing, heat, energy, clothing, and consumer goods places tremendous demands on the earth's natural resources. Without technological and land-use changes, the demands are bound to grow.

The cutting of trees for firewood and for land cultivation have led to much destruction of the forests (deforestation), which in turn affects rainfall.

Overgrazing and cultivation of slopes cause large quantities of topsoil to wash away each year. Additionally, declining soil fertility leads farmers to cultivate marginal land, putting it at risk of erosion.

Growing human populations and pollution, which have a negative impact on habitat preservation, are serious threats to biodiversity. A number of species of wildlife are at risk of extinction. Therefore, to combat this problems the country has signed international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity.