Interaction between species and their environment plays a great role in their normal behaviors and existence. Altering the normal habitat of a species has massive effects on its distribution as well as the normal ecological functioning. Human activities have over the years caused significant change in regard to the normal habitats of both animals and plant species. Human activities such as continued agricultural activities and the rapidly growing urban centers have led to encroachment of forests. The uncontrolled encroachment has led to development of isolated forest patches. These isolated patches are a clear indication of fragmentation caused by modification of habitats by humans. The negative impacts of fragmentation are quite clear. They range from development of new ecological boundaries, reduced size of normal habitats of plant and animal species as well as increased isolation. The effects of these impacts are quite clear. The most obvious of these is the limitation on migration of species especially those that require large and extensive habitats to survive. Similarly, this isolation tends to offer invasive species greater control over the modified habitats thus completely changing the biodiversity (World Resources Insititute).
The chain of events of human activities and their effects on the biodiversity are wide and extensive. To avert the effects of encroachment of natural habitats as a result of human activities, authorities need to put into plan comprehensive measures to protect natural habitats and the species they harbor. Land planning does not just involve legislating land for human activities but also focuses more on the conservation of animal and plant species that could be affected by these legislations. It is the duty of humankind to protect biodiversity for the benefits of future generations. The bio-system is expected to be self-sustaining at all times. When this is altered, conflicts between all forms of life existing in the universe could become a problem in the near future. This would render the universe a whole disaster. Land planning must therefore include all stakeholders, agencies, agreements and partners with an aim to ensuring habitat-sensitive use of resources.
Works Cited
World Resources Insititute. "Biological Consequences of Fragmentation." Southern Forests For The Future. TOYOTA, 2010. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
