
Environmental fragmentation
Environmental fragmentation occurs when large, continuous natural habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches by human activities such as roads, urban development, and agriculture. This division disrupts ecosystems, making it harder for wildlife to move, find resources, and reproduce. Fragmentation can lead to decreased biodiversity, increased risk of species extinction, and less resilient ecosystems. Essentially, it’s like cutting a large, healthy forest into many small pieces, which diminishes the forest’s overall health and ability to support diverse life. Addressing fragmentation involves conservation efforts that maintain or restore connected habitats for sustainable ecosystems.