What is the concept of habitat fragmentation in biodiversity conservation?

Environmental Politics Biodiversity Conservation Questions



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What is the concept of habitat fragmentation in biodiversity conservation?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process by which large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This occurs due to human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and infrastructure development. Habitat fragmentation has significant implications for biodiversity conservation as it disrupts the natural connectivity and functioning of ecosystems. It leads to the loss of habitat quality, reduction in species diversity, and increased vulnerability to extinction for many plant and animal species. Fragmented habitats also hinder the movement and gene flow of species, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Therefore, addressing habitat fragmentation is crucial in biodiversity conservation efforts to maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems.