Impacts of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation on Terrestrial Biodiversity

Habitat loss and fragmentation are currently the main threats to terrestrial biodiversity. Anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural expansion has resulted in dramatic global habitat loss and fragmentation. There have been an increasing number of empirical studies seeking to understand the consequences of these processes on terrestrial biodiversity. Despite lack of consensus, there is a growing body of literature supporting the overwhelmingly negative consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation on terrestrial biodiversity worldwide. Future research focusing on more taxonomic groups and accompanying global threats such as climate change will be critical to increasing our ability to manage landscapes effectively to improve species conservation efforts into the future.