Disuniting, isolation, these describe what is currently happening to ecological areas around the world. Habitats are homes for living things, they provide the environmental conditions for a living organism to survive. However, we are tearing apart these homes. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United Staes of America (PNAS), published a research article on habitat fragmentation. Defined, habitat fragmentation is the process of a habitat that is isolated into a number of smaller separate areas. The habitat is smaller than before and is cut off from its divided pieces by other habitats unlike the original. Habitat loss and changes in its configurations threaten the well being of ecological homes, providing negative effects on biodiversity.
The published article by PNAS shows results that demonstrate species with higher fragmentation are at a greater risk of extinction. The article of 2017 further states, “The diversity of life on earth is jeopardized by human activities and the world’s mammals are at great risk; 27% of mammalian species globally are threatened with extinction and the loss and degradation of habitat has been implicated as a primary threat.” Furthermore, it can be understood that human actions are stepping into the demolition of habitats. PNAS continues, “Fragmentation can create detrimental edge effects along the boundaries of habitat patches, precipitate population decline, restrict animal movement and gene flow, and sever landscape connectivity.” Animals are not able to stay together, are invaded by other species, or not provided with necessities of their lives. Fences, dams, and many other human actions are disrupting species.
Not only is the habitats on land being effected, but aquatic landscapes are threatened as well. According to Impacts of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation on Terrestrial Biodiversity (2018), dynamite fishing, rising sea temperatures resulting in coral bleaching, and even freshwater changing streamflows, are all creating some sort of habitat fragmentation. In all aspects of life globally, paying attention to how actions of industries and individuals effect the connection of an ecosystem are vital. Without careful control, we will successfully strip apart many homes to living organisms. I urge you to educate yourself on the impacts of our choices as a collective planet.
Crooks, Kevin R., et al. “Quantification of Habitat Fragmentation Reveals Extinction Risk in Terrestrial Mammals.” PNAS, National Academy of Sciences, 18 July 2017, www.pnas.org/content/114/29/7635.
“Habitat Fragmentation.” Habitat Fragmentation - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/habitat-fragmentation.