Fragmentation of habitats describes the emergence of discontinuities (fragmentation) in the preferred environment (habitat) of an organism, causing population fragmentation and decay of the ecosystem. Habitat fragmentation causes geological and human activities such as land conversion, which can alter the environment much more quickly and cause extinction for many species, which will slowly alter the layout of the physical environment. In particular, habitat fragmentation is a process through which large and contiguous habitats are split into smaller, isolated habitat areas.
Habitat fragmentation is often caused by humans when native plants are cleared for human activities such as agriculture, rural development, urbanisation and the creation of hydroelectric reservoirs. Temporary habitats are divided into separate fragments. The separate fragments, after intensive clearing, tend to be very small islands isolated by croplands, grasslands, paving or even stony lands.
The reduction in the adequate habitat available to organisms is one of the major ways that habitation fragmentation affects biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation often involves both habitat destruction and the subdivision of previously continuous habitats. Plants are disproportionately affected by some types of habitat fragmentation because they cannot respond quickly to the changed spatial configuration of the habitat.
Many Mitigation measures have been recommended to conserve endemic plants from extinction, in this initial economic world, how can we protect the endemic species that are fragmented as a result of agricultural expansion?
in protect with the species, the ex situ and in situ methods are used. It is also possible to reproduce endemic and rare plants in botanical gardens and collection, then reintroduction to nature.
in protect with the species, the ex situ and in situ methods are used. It is also possible to reproduce endemic and rare plants in botanical gardens and collection, then reintroduction to nature.
Hello Karim; In Germany "semi-native" grasslands are intersperse between farm fields. They are actively managed to support native pollinators and their host plants, supporting both agricultural pollination and native plants.
In the USA, connectivity between undeveloped habitat is encouraged with the intent to support the natural movement of native animals – mostly mammals – but these corridors also support the endemic plants on which the animals depend.
Similar thinking can be encouraged anywhere. Best regards, Jim Des Lauriers
Dear Ozodbek Abduraimov
Thanks for your replay. In fact, restoring habitats to normal prior to fragmentation is very difficult, especially when it comes to abandoning an economic resource such as agriculture that has taken the place of already wild species. Protection inside and outside the site would be useful, but the situation will not be as it was. There are some suggested solutions, such as buying agricultural lands and returning them to normal conditions before planting, but it is a big challenge and very costly
Dear James Des Lauriers
Thanks you very much for your participation in this discussion.
As you mentioned, one way to solve this problem is to link the fragments by preserving or planting native vegetation corridors. A bridge or underpass may in some cases be sufficient to join two pieces. This can mitigate the isolation problem, but not the loss of indoor habitat.
The extension of small residues in order to increase the amount of interior habitat is another mitigation measure. This may not be practical because developed land is often costlier and could take considerable time and effort to restore.
Is there in practical guide to link 2 fragments with each other in agriculture land?
Karim; The "semi-native" grassland programs in Germany represent one such effort. Jim Des Lauriers
That's good, although it may bring some positive impacts, mixing wild and cultivated species in one area have negative impact. and cause ecological and evolutionary changes. With all these effects, it remains one of the few solutions to solving the problem of fragmentation and isolation
Article The eco-evolutionary impacts of domestication and agricultur...
habitat fragmentation is one of the ongoing issue throughout the world, Many species of the have been extinct and many are in danger. as one of the Conifer specie (taxus baccata) is endangered in our area due to Habitat fragmentation.
Dear Zaib Ullah
Indeed, we are losing a lot behind this fragmentation. Do you have a case study of some solutions to this problem in your area?
Hello Karim; To get more detail about "semi-native grasslands" in Germany you may wish to contact Birgit Jauker. She will be able to provide you with some of what you are looking for. She can be found at ResearchGate. Best regards, Jim Des Lauriers
Thanks James Des Lauriers
I found her article is very helpful
Article Past and potential future effects of habitat fragmentation o...
Karim; Write to her and tell her so. She is quite a lovely person and you will enjoy getting acquainted with her. She was one of my students 20 years ago. Cheers, Jim Des Lauriers
Karim Omar currently we don't have any solution, but i am going design a research project to overcome this problem, it would be better in collaboration if possible
Endemic plants are generally limited in distribution and confined to a particular geographical area. Conservation of endemic species have to be given topic most priority for its conservation, due to losing or altering of their natural habitats by human intervention. Natural Habitats to be protected by application of stringent laws. Providing protection to natural habitats, the intactness of wild habitats and its continuity to be continued. In situ conservation approach is the better one for the conservation of Endemic species. Exsitu conservation is also useful for the preservation of germplasm and reintroduction of population in their natural habitats. Comparatively in situ conservation approach is very economical than exsitu and the most beautiful thing is preservation of wild habitats and natural plant communities.
Dear Pasupuleti Sivaramakrishna
Thanks for your comment, unfortunately some times its very difficult to carry these conservation practices especially when you try to solve a problem caused by national economic development such as national mega projects like agriculture and urbanization expansion
ex situ practices in this situation will be the only solution
Some practical and other toric alternatives can be applied in the conservation of endemic plants. The creation of protected areas, such as parks and forest reserves, can help to contain the fragmentation process and pressure on these populations. Allied to this, studies, reproductive and genetic, of these populations, will also help to understand the rates of reproductive success and loss of genetic diversity and possible weakening of these studied populations.
As stated in other comments, ex situ conservation can and should be combined in this process, however without the possibility of these individuals returning to their natural habitat, populations remained extinct in situ. Programs for the recovery of degraded areas, the formation of ecological corridors reconnecting fragments can help in the establishment of gene flow. Here in Brazil we also have the same problems with the fragmentation process due to agricultural expansion and urban centers. So I think that any conservation policy or program should also go through a process of raising awareness among the population, so that they understand the need for preservation and change in habits so that there is progress in the conservation of biodiversity.
Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to the loss of endemic plants. When we think of endemic plant conservation, we should think of habitat protection and conservation techniques of those endemic plant species.
I do agree with the recommendation of Daniel Medina Corrêa Santos that whenever we plan conservation activities, it shall be participatory (more importantly local people need to take part in it). Best regards,
Dear Karim Omar and Gonfa Kewessa thanks for the discussion. I believe that these discussions, here on this platform, because I believe that sharing examples, solutions and propositions of new ideas. As I mentioned, I think society's participation and understanding of the importance and conservation of biodiversity is fundamental and it is good to know that other researchers share the same thought.
Dear Gonfa Kewessa
The local community is the main partner and owner of these lands, as well as the main user of the services of these species (for example, medicinal plants). Establishing a community management program based on the sustainability of natural resources would be ideal if done correctly and consider the differences Does Ethiopia have a similar program and success story that you can share here?
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