What is habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation occurs when a habitat is altered or disjointed. As a result, there is a spatial separation in a habitat that redistributes the species and organisms within the habitat.

Habitat fragmentation may occur naturally or as a result of humans. Naturally, glaciers, volcanic activity, plate tectonic movements, rise in sea level and climate change can all cause habitats to become fragmented and disjointed. These occurrences may cause small habitats such as microorganism habitats to change drastically or may affect a larger habitat such as a large landmass. Humans also cause habitat fragmentation by building new buildings, altering landscapes and by tearing down or planting trees.