Title: Transforming Multidisciplinary Research Through Artificial Intelligence
Chief Editors: Dr. Nagasudha R and Dr. Geetha V
Associate Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Ms. P. Nithyashankari
Co-Editors: Dr. Madhumathi Reddim and Dr. Shishira Srinivasa
ISBN: 978-93-7183-019-5
Chapter: 3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/804/03
Author: Charu Bhatt
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is now a large scale environmental problem, and a prime cause of wildlife species loss and a longterm threat to the sustainability of ecosystems. This research paper will examine how habitat fragmentation pertains to wildlife species decline, particularly loss of habitat, isolation, lessened population connectivity and changes to ecological conditions. The research is conducted using a mixed method design which fuses quantitative data from wildlife population level and habitat changes with qualitative data from ecological studies, conservation reports and expert observations. The findings suggest that habitats that are broken up present significant obstacles for wildlife, as they limit living space, movement, access to mates and food, and other factors. Large home range species and those with specialized habitat requirements are at particular risk, as are small and isolated populations which are at greater risk of inbreeding and disease and local extinction. Despite these barriers, conservation efforts such as establishing connectivity corridors, protected areas, restoring habitats, and implementing sustainable land-use practices can help increase and enhance habitat connectivity and provide benefits for declining populations of wildlife. The paper also suggests policy measures and landscape conservation tools to help mitigate the effects of fragmentation, such as enhancing the effectiveness of protected area systems, restoring degraded habitats, enhancing connectivity within landscapes, and engaging communities in biodiversity conservation. This research not only underscores the intricate connection between landscape fragmentation and wildlife populations’ decline but also emphasizes the need for holistic conservation strategies that prioritize ecological connectivity, species protection, and long-term ecosystem resilience. Comparative analysis helps conservation policy makers, environmental groups, land-use planners and wildlife managers to learn how to minimize biodiversity loss and ensure sustainable coexistence between human activities and wildlife. The results are relevant to the existing ecological literature as they offer directions for the management of fragmented habitats and evidence for continuing for the survival of wildlife species.
Keywords: Habitat fragmentation, wildlife species decline, biodiversity loss, habitat loss, wildlife conservation, ecological connectivity, wildlife corridors, species extinction, habitat restoration, ecosystem resilience