Ecological fragmentation

Ecological fragmentation occurs when large, continuous habitats such as forests or grasslands are broken into smaller, isolated patches by human activities like roads, development, or agriculture. This division can hinder the movement of wildlife, reduce available resources, and disrupt natural processes like breeding and migration. Over time, fragmentation can lead to decreased biodiversity and the decline of species unable to adapt to the new, fragmented environment. Essentially, it’s the process of breaking up ecosystems into smaller, disconnected parts, which can compromise their health and resilience.