The Nazca Civilization collapsed because of their own deforestation of their surroundings for agricultural development. The forests in their surroundings consisted of the huarango tree, a keystone in the ecosystem that the Nazca inhabited. The huarango tree enhanced soil fertility and moisture, and when it was removed food sources suffered as did the Nazca.

     Around A.D. 500, a major El Nino-caused flood probably devastated the Nazca region. In addition to poor ecological practices, the flood destroyed Nazca culture. Eventually the remaining Nazca were absorbed into the neighboring Wari culture.