Habitat fragmentation involves alteration of habitat resulting
in spatial separation of habitat units from a previous state of
greater continuity. |Figure 1. Aerial photograph of dry forest
scrub in southern Zambia, fragmented by agricultural land
conversion. 2008| This phenomenon occurs naturally on a geologic
time-scale or in unusual and catastrophic events: however, since
the Holocene era, humans have produced dramatic and swift
transformation of landscapes throughout the world, resulting in
a level of habitat fragmentation that has induced worldwide
reduction in biodiversity and interuption of sustainable yields
of natural resources. Humans produce habitat fragmentation
chiefly from agricultural land conversion, urbanization,
pollution, deforestation and introduction of alien species;
ironically, both human caused wildfires as well as the
systematic practice of fire suppression can also create habitat
fragmentation. Prior to the dominance of mankind, long term
changes engendered by geologic processes or c