What is it?

Habitat fragmentation is "the discontinuity, resulting from a given set of mechanisms, in the spatial distribution of resources and conditions present in an area at a given scale that affects occupancy, reproduction, or survival in a particular species" (Franklin et al. 2002). Upland habitat fragmentation can be caused by actions like reservoir construction, urban development, subdivision of larger ranches into smaller ranches, construction of roads, removal of vegetation, and fencing. Habitat fragmentation can decrease native species diversity, disrupt wildlife migration and dispersal, and disrupt genetic flow between populations.

Conservation Benefits:

• Areas of increased species diversity
• Provides continuous wildlife habitat
• Prevents streambank erosion
• Protects aesthetically pleasing areas
• Protects food sources for terrestrial and aquatic organisms
• Protects terrestrial organism dispersal, migration, and genetic flow
• Promotes good land stewardship
• Provides recreational and ecotourism opportunities

What does it include?

There are many BMPs that can be implemented to prevent or restore fragmented upland habitats.

• Conservation easements
• Implement upland habitat restoration and protection
• Minimize human disturbances (e.g. vegetation removal, construction, developement, introcution of exotic and non-native species)
• Native plant revegetation
• Ordinances
• Riparian buffers
• Riparian setbacks