What does "forest fragmentation" mean?

Forest fragmentation refers to the process where large, contiguous areas of forest are divided into smaller, more isolated patches. This phenomenon typically occurs due to human activities such as urban development, road construction, or agricultural expansion, which disrupt otherwise continuous habitats. As forests become fragmented, the remaining patches can be too small to support large wildlife populations, reducing genetic diversity and increasing vulnerability to extinction.

Fragmentation can also lead to edge effects, where the conditions at the borders of the forest patches change, impacting the species that thrive there. For instance, the microclimate can alter, leading to different types of vegetation and animal activities than found in the interior of a larger forest. This division can also hinder species movement and migration, further stressing ecosystems and biodiversity. Understanding forest fragmentation is vital for conservation efforts, as it helps inform strategies to protect and restore fragmented habitats.