I. Habitat Fragmentation and Loss
Overview of Habitat Fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation is a principal cause of species loss, leading to isolated populations
and reduced genetic diversity.
Metapopulations consist of small local populations connected to allow for dispersal,
crucial for maintaining genetic flow.
Understanding an animal's ranging behavior and individual dispersal distances is essential
for conservation efforts.
Impact on Species Dispersal
Larger species tend to have greater dispersal distances, which is critical for their survival
and genetic diversity.
Carnivores, particularly large carnivores, are more vulnerable during dispersal due to their
larger territory requirements and lower population densities.
Designing wildlife corridors and reserves is vital to facilitate safe movement and reduce
mortality during dispersal.
Case Study: Wolves of Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Manitoba is surrounded by agricultural land,
creating an 'island' effect for the wolf population.
The closest wolf population is 50 miles away, with no corridors for movement, leading to
genetic isolation.
The gray wolf population declined by 50% from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, despite an
abundance of prey like elk and moose.
Factors Contributing to Decline
Overview of Habitat Fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation is a principal cause of species loss, leading to isolated populations
and reduced genetic diversity.
Metapopulations consist of small local populations connected to allow for dispersal,
crucial for maintaining genetic flow.
Understanding an animal's ranging behavior and individual dispersal distances is essential
for conservation efforts.
Impact on Species Dispersal
Larger species tend to have greater dispersal distances, which is critical for their survival
and genetic diversity.
Carnivores, particularly large carnivores, are more vulnerable during dispersal due to their
larger territory requirements and lower population densities.
Designing wildlife corridors and reserves is vital to facilitate safe movement and reduce
mortality during dispersal.
Case Study: Wolves of Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Manitoba is surrounded by agricultural land,
creating an 'island' effect for the wolf population.
The closest wolf population is 50 miles away, with no corridors for movement, leading to
genetic isolation.
The gray wolf population declined by 50% from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, despite an
abundance of prey like elk and moose.
Factors Contributing to Decline
