What does the term “habitat fragmentation” refer to?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the breaking up of ecosystems into smaller, isolated patches. This occurs when large, continuous areas of habitat are divided into smaller segments due to various factors such as urban development, agriculture, or infrastructure expansion. Fragmentation can lead to significant ecological consequences, including loss of biodiversity, challenges for species migration, and increased vulnerability to edge effects. When habitats become fragmented, the organisms that rely on them may struggle to find food, mates, or escape from predators, as the movement between patches becomes more difficult. This highlights the importance of considering habitat connectivity and the necessity of maintaining large, intact ecosystems to support healthy populations of wildlife.