Habitats fragmentation: what is, causes and consequences

We will begin this post developing what habitat fragmentation is. It is called habitat fragmentation to degradative process in which an extensive and continuous area of ​​a habitat is reduced And, as a result, is divided into two or more fragments. Habitat fragmentation undoubtedly, a loss of biodiversity habitats thus increasing its vulnerabilities and risk to extinction.

The effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity depend fundamentally on the shape of the fragment and the existing distances with other fragments. Meanwhile, those fragments that are isolated from other fragments and whose form presents a large edge/area proportion, considerably increase the risk of extinction of species since it alters its ecological processes, such as interaction with other specimens, food search, mating, etc.

An example of habitat fragmentation happens in the Chaco forest in Argentina, in which the ecosystem is deeply fragmented product of changes in land use to carry out anthropic activities. Studies suggest that the fragmentation of the Chaco forest has decreased the richness of native pollinating insects that pollinate precisely native plant species, while exotic bees have been favored by the effects of fragmentation.

Another example occurs in the Cantabrian mountain range in Spain, where habitats are fragmented by the construction of roads and forest track openings. The Cantabrian Pardo (Ursus arctos arctos) It is particularly affected by this process of loss of habitat since they require extensive areas to live.

To have more basic knowledge to better understand this issue, we advise you to also read this other post about what the habitat is.

The habitat fragmentation process is rather linked to development of human activities. In the following list we will develop the causes that cause habitat fragmentation.

• Extension of the agricultural-livestock border: The intensification of agriculture and livestock causes a landscape homogenization by reducing the surface of natural habitats.
• Use of forest resource: The use of forest resource, mainly the use of the timber resource, causes a fragmentation of habitats in forests, as well as deforestation to establish forest plantations of introduced species.
• Urbanization Development: With the increase of the world population, urbanizations are increasing in size, developing at the expense of species habitats.
• Transport infrastructure: The construction of routes, roads and railway lines is one of the main causes of habitat fragmentation.
• Infrastructure in water courses: dams, azudes and reservoirs built on water courses represent a physical barrier for fish species dividing their habitat into two or more parts.

We recommend you read this other article about what is negative and positive environmental impact with examples.

As we have seen in the previous section, there are many causes that favor habitat fragmentation. Unfortunately, there are also many consequences that arise from this degradative process. Next we will develop each of them:

• In principle, the biological effects of habitat fragmentation put in check the existence of species of flora and fauna, increasing the risk of extinction of these. This is because the fragmentation of the habitat accelerates the reduction of the population size of the species and, consequently, the smallest populations are vulnerable to genetic problems, such as endogamy. Likewise, a fragmented habitat alters the ecological processes of the species since it prevents the dispersion and migration of species, the interactions between specimens, reproduction, alters trophic networks, among other implications. We recommend you read this other article on species extinction: what is, causes and consequences.
• On the other hand, habitat fragmentation Power the edge effectthis is an increase in the proportion of the edge or perimeter of the fragment with respect to the area of ​​the same. The edge effect modifies the environment and causes microclimatic changes of luminosity, temperature, wind, humidity. These climatic changes constitute auspicious conditions for fires, causing a greater incidence of them. In addition, sometimes microclimatic changes are favorable for the proliferation of exotic species. Here you can learn more about the edge effect: what is and consequences.

Perhaps it is difficult to think from individuality how we can avoid habitat fragmentation. However, here we will give you some tips that will be useful.

• Stay informed About the problem. To do this, we recommend you to continue reading articles of this nature.
• With all acquired knowledge Exigels to politicians In charge of your area, the cessation of deforestation, the conservation of species and ecosystems and, mainly, the development of more protected areas. Here you can learn more about what are protected natural areas and their importance.
• InvoluCrate in projects of ecosystems and species conservation restoration, either as a volunteer or donations. For more information we recommend you read this article about ecological restoration: what is, types and examples.

If you want to read more articles similar to Habitats fragmentation: what is, causes and consequenceswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.