Depredation (noun)

1. The act of preying upon or plundering; specifically: the destructive raiding of a place or area.
2. An act of damaging or destroying something.

Origin:

From latin depredationem, meaning "plundering, looting".

Examples:

1. The town was devastated by the depredations of the invading army.
2. The company's profits were hit by the depredations of the recession.
3. The depredation of natural resources has led to environmental destruction.
4. The depredation of the city's historic buildings is a cause for concern.
5. The depredation of the ecosystem has led to the extinction of many species.