Dispersal, habitat fragmentation and population viability

Habitat fragmentation describes a state (or a process) of discontinuities (fragments) within the preferred living area (habitat) of a species. The classical paradigm of population ecology is that of a single, large and homogeneous population, but it is widely recognised that most populations are fragmented and heterogeneous → implications for ecological processes? → effects on population viability and extinction dynamics? Habitat destruction vs. habitat fragmentation Habitat destruction is associated with massive habitat loss, fragmentation and habitat degradation ~ 83 % land surface affected by human activities Forest fragmentation (green area) in Finland from 1752 to 1990 Habitat destruction includes several processes: • Reduction in the total area of the habitat • Increase in number of habitat patches • Decrease in habitat patches area • Increase in isolation of habitat fragments • Possibly, a decrease in habitat qualit