Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat Fragmentation

Definition

• Habitat fragmentation occurs when a habitat is divided into smaller fragments or sections.
• Over time, these fragments may further decrease in size and quality due to degradation at their edges.

Impact on Biodiversity

• Habitat fragmentation can result in habitat loss, as the original habitat is broken into smaller pieces.
• Smaller fragments may lead to increased competition between species for limited resources, potentially reducing biodiversity.
• Some species may lose their habitats entirely, leading to local extinctions.

Decreased Biodiversity

• Smaller habitat fragments can only support a reduced biodiversity compared to the original, undivided habitat.
• The smaller the fragment, the fewer species it can support.

Habitat Corridors

• Habitat fragments can be connected by habitat corridors, allowing animals to move between them.
• Habitat corridors help increase species diversity by facilitating the movement of animals for mating and finding food, even after local extinctions.

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Habitat Fragmentation

Summary

• Habitat fragmentation involves the division of a habitat into smaller fragments, which can lead to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.
• Smaller fragments may result in increased competition and local extinctions.
• Habitat corridors can mitigate these effects by allowing species to move between fragments, promoting species diversity.