In an ecosystem when a resource is exploited such that it cannot recover in the same time as it's being harvested. Examples include:

• The overfishing of the great marine fish populations off North America.
• The overfishing of Whale species such that there was needed a worldwide ban on Whale fishing.
• The clearcutting of old growth forests.
• The overgrazing the land when too many cattle or sheep are put on too little land.
• The poaching of wild game, such as African elephants or African Black Rhino in Sub Saharan Africa.

Overharvesting can sometimes be mitigated by Habitat Restoration which can sometimes involve the resoration of native plants.

In some cases, a given species has been driven near or to complete extinction.