A more thorough explanation:

Extirpation is the complete removal or destruction of something. It can also refer to damage done to land by someone who no longer has the right to use it.

• A developer extirpated an entire forest to build a shopping mall.
• The extirpation of wolves from Yellowstone National Park had a negative impact on the ecosystem.
• The farmer was ordered to pay for the extirpation of wetlands on his property.

These examples illustrate how extirpation can refer to the destruction of natural habitats or intentional damage to land. In the first example, the forest was completely removed for commercial development. In the second example, the removal of wolves had a negative impact on the ecosystem. In the third example, the farmer was held responsible for damaging wetlands on his property.