How do deforestation and forest fragmentation affect plants and animals?

Deforestation and forest fragmentation are primary drivers of habitat loss, which is the leading cause of the global decline in biodiversity.12

Impact of Deforestation

Deforestation involves the removal of vegetation that provides essential food and shelter. When forests are cleared for agriculture or grazing, native species are deprived of their living space, forcing them to migrate or face death. Because forests—particularly tropical ones—harbor the majority of Earth’s species, this destruction significantly increases the risk of extinction. Furthermore, replacing native forests with commercial tree plantations often fails to provide suitable habitat for native plants and animals, many of which may be endangered.21

Impact of Forest Fragmentation

Fragmentation subdivides large forest blocks into smaller, disconnected patches. This process affects species in several ways:
* Isolation: It separates populations, hindering reproduction by reducing the likelihood that individuals of reproductive age can meet.12
* Increased Mortality: As distances between patches grow, animals face higher risks from predators, vehicle collisions, and exposure to inhospitable conditions while traveling between fragments.12
* Environmental Stress: Fragmentation alters abiotic factors such as wind exposure, temperature, and soil nutrients, further challenging the survival of native organisms.2