India, Dec. 19 -- A global study finds rural settlement growth causes 3.5 times more biodiversity loss than cities.

Low-density expansion fragments natural habitats more widely than urban development.

Rural growth has spread faster into Key Biodiversity Areas than urban expansion.

Asia accounts for more than half of settlement-linked biodiversity loss worldwide.

Researchers warn current conservation policies overlook rural development pressures.

Cities have long been blamed as the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss. Their growth is highly visible, with forests cleared for roads, housing, industry and infrastructure.

Between 2000 and 2020, urban land worldwide expanded by nearly 25 million hectares, driven by population growth, eco...