Legal Definitions - decimation

In a legal and general context, decimation refers to the widespread destruction or severe reduction of a population, group, or resource. While historically rooted in the concept of reducing something by one-tenth, its modern usage signifies a devastating loss or a significant decrease in numbers, often implying a catastrophic impact.

• Example 1: After a prolonged drought, the local wildlife population experienced a severe decimation, leading to concerns about several endangered species. The lack of water and food sources caused a drastic reduction in animal numbers across the region.

  Explanation: This example illustrates decimation as a significant and widespread reduction in the number of animals due to environmental factors, highlighting a major loss within a population.

• Example 2: A new, highly contagious virus swept through the poultry farms in the state, resulting in the decimation of chicken flocks and substantial economic losses for farmers. Millions of birds had to be culled or died from the disease.

  Explanation: Here, decimation describes the extensive destruction and severe reduction in the number of chickens, demonstrating a catastrophic impact on a specific animal population and an industry.

• Example 3: The introduction of invasive species into the island ecosystem led to the gradual decimation of several native plant varieties, as the newcomers outcompeted them for resources and altered the habitat. Conservationists worked to prevent further loss of biodiversity.

  Explanation: This scenario uses decimation to describe the significant and ongoing reduction in the numbers of native plant species, emphasizing a severe decline caused by external factors.