What effect does habitat fragmentation usually have on wildlife?

Habitat fragmentation typically leads to the isolation of wildlife populations, which can impede their movement between different habitats. When ecosystems are divided into smaller, isolated patches, species may have reduced access to mates, food sources, and other critical resources. This isolation can result in smaller population sizes, making it more challenging for species to maintain healthy genetic diversity.

Reduced genetic diversity poses significant risks for populations, affecting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, resist diseases, and increase their overall survival rates. When populations become inbred due to lack of genetic mixing, they can exhibit reduced fitness, which ultimately hampers their ability to thrive in their environments.

Thus, habitat fragmentation commonly isolates populations and reduces their genetic diversity, leading to adverse effects on wildlife survival and ecosystem stability.