What can be a consequence of habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process where large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This separation can lead to several ecological consequences, and one prominent issue is the isolation of wildlife populations. When habitats are fragmented, animals may find it difficult to move between patches due to physical barriers such as roads, urban development, or agricultural land. This isolation can hinder gene flow among populations, potentially leading to inbreeding and decreased genetic diversity. As a result, wildlife populations may struggle to adapt to environmental changes, increasing their vulnerability to extinction.

In contrast, other consequences like improved access to resources or enhanced breeding within animal populations are less likely in fragmented environments, as animals often require larger territories to thrive and find mates. Additionally, while wildlife-human encounters may increase due to fragmentation, the primary and most direct consequence of habitat fragmentation itself is the isolation of wildlife populations, making it the main concern regarding ecological health and conservation.