What does forest fragmentation refer to?

Forest fragmentation refers to the process where large, continuous tracts of forest are broken up into smaller, isolated patches. This can occur due to various human activities, such as urban development, agriculture, or road construction, which divide the forest into smaller sections. These fragments can disrupt the ecosystem by isolating wildlife populations, making it more difficult for species to find mates, food, and habitats. Additionally, fragmentation can alter the microclimate and edge effects, making the remaining patches less viable for certain species and leading to a decline in biodiversity.

In contrast, complete destruction of a forest ecosystem denotes total loss of trees and habitats, which is more extreme than fragmentation. Planting new tree species can enhance or restore a forest but doesn’t really relate to fragmentation, while the expansion of forested areas into urban settings often involves the opposite of fragmentation, as it suggests the integration of green spaces within urban landscapes.