Keystone species play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem integrity by influencing the structure and diversity of their environments. They typically have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystems relative to their abundance. For instance, the presence or absence of a keystone species can alter food webs, create habitats, and maintain population balances. The loss of these species can lead to cascading effects, destabilizing communities and resulting in biodiversity loss. Therefore, protecting keystone species is vital for preserving healthy ecosystems and their functions.