Habitat Fragmentation

                



 

Introduction

Habitat Fragmentation is a less obvious, but more insidious threat to species and the ecosystems they rely upon for survival than habitat loss and degradation. Habitat fragmentation has two parts: 
      (1) The decrease in habitat type
      (2) The apportionment of the remaining habitat into smaller, more isolated pieces
Some of the causes of habitat fragmentation include: 
      (1) Human Development
      (2) Roadbuilding
      (3) Deforestation (Logging)
      (4) Conversion to agriculture, grassland, or pasture
The problems that arise from habitat fragmentation include: 
      (1) Smaller populations due to smaller amounts of habitat
      (2) Isolation of populations in fragmented parts, which allows for greater 
            possibility of extinction
      (3) The potential increase in predators, competitors and parasites
      (4) Fragments often yield a significantly different physical and biotic 
            environment than existed before
      (5) Species that need large home ranges have trouble living in the smaller 
             fragmented areas
      (6) Fragmentation increases the likelihood of inbreeding, which leads to a loss of 
            genetic diversity
Some of the species that have been greatly affected by habitat fragmentation in the United States include:
      (1) Large cats such as the Cougar, Jaguar, Florida Panther and Lynx
      (2) Grizzly Bear
      (3) Desert Tortoise
Over the last twenty years or so scientists have been studying habitat fragmentation, its causes and effects, and what can be done to remedy the problem. Many of the species above are listed on the Endangered Species Act as endangered or threatened because of habitat fragmentation. Some examples of conservation practices include:
      (1) Reserves
      (2) Corridors
Several studies have been done evaluating the effects that reserves and corridors have on the species listed above as well as plants and smaller mammals. As well as whether one large reserve is better than several small reserves and whether corridors are beneficial or not. 

 

This website was created by Andrew Greenfield
for Biology 217
Please feel free to e-mail any questions