Nature Needs Connected Space

Imagine if you were suddenly limited to only moving and living within your home, and you had to secure all the resources you needed for survival in that space? Could you survive and, if so, for how long?

That is the fundamental ecological crisis facing wildlife in our backyards and across the globe today, as their habitats are reduced into smaller and smaller pieces by human development.

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and geographical isolation create barriers to movement, survival, and reproduction. Decades of scientific research tell us that the loss of habitats and connectivity is leading to cascading environmental effects; degraded habitats, species extinctions, and reduced biodiversity on both local and global scales.

Scientists tell us that plant, and animal population size is the best predictor of whether a species or local population will persist. There are scientifically derived minimum viable population numbers at which extinction becomes likely. The amount and quality of habitat available directly influence animal population size. Connectivity of habitat (that meets survival and reproductive needs) and connectivity of subpopulations ensures that animal and plant communities can move and adapt to constant change over short and long time scales. If the habitat is reduced to small, isolated patches, eventually some species may cease to exist in those areas. Often the first to go are the large-ranging mammals that require larger amounts of core habitat, such as mule deer and mountain lion, or habitat specialists such as the Sonoran Desert tortoise.