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Habitat Fragmentation and Its Effects on Trophic Interactions in Terrestrial Vertebrates

Book Title: Transformative Approaches in Multidisciplinary Research (TAMR)

Chief Editors: Dr. Meenakshi Kujur, and Dr. Hamidun Bunawan

Associate Editors: Mr. Gunjit Singhal, and Dr. Asma Farooque

Co-Editors: Dr. Suresh Kamarapu, and Dr. Souvik Sur

Chapter: 3

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/672/3

Authors: Dr. Deepali amb Prasad, and Dr. Sanjay Prasad

Abstract

One of the major ecological disturbances of terrestrial ecosystems in the world is habitat fragmentation and has far-reaching consequences on interactions among species as well as stability of the ecosystem. This research paper analyzes the impact of habitat fragmentation on the troic interactions of the terrestrial vertebrates, how landscape structure affects predator-prey interaction, the complexity of food web, and survival of species. The research takes a comparative synthesis approach; combining quantitative ecological information on field research and experimental research with qualitative information based on published ecological reports and wildlife monitoring programs. These results show that fragmentation of the habitat causes a decrease in habitat connectivity, edge effects, and change in resource availability that, in turn, interferes with the trophic interactions. Top predators can also be the most susceptible because of their shorter hunting ranges, and lack of preys, and middle consumers might have population imbalances caused by predator-release effects. The effect of fragmentation on the herbivores in the fragmented landscape can be either an increase in population (reduced predation pressure) or a decrease in the population (reduced vegetation resources) depending on the type of the ecosystem and the degree of the fragmentation. Moreover, the fragmentation of continuous habitats leads to simplified food webs, loss of biodiversity and a lack of resilience in the ecosystems. Nevertheless, there are adaptable species that exhibit behavioral and dietary plasticity and due to these traits, they are able to survive in the fragmented environment. Other conservation measures that are pointed out in the paper include habitat corridors, landscape restoration, expansion of the protected areas to reduce the effects of fragmentation and recovery of the troic balance. This paper highlights the need to preserve ecological connectivity to sustain ecosystem functions by studying the cascading consequences of habitat fragmentation on trophic interactions. The results are applicable to conservation biologists, environmental policymakers and land-use planners interested in coming up with sustainable approaches in conserving biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.Keywords: Fragmentation of habitat, trophic relationships, vertebrates on land, food web, predator-prey relationships, ecosystem connectivity, biodiversity loss, conservation ecology, fragmentation of landscape, ecological resilience.

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