EFFECTS OF HABITAT FRAGMENTATION ON AMPHIBIAN DIVERSITY: CHALLENGES AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation, driven primarily by human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion, has emerged as a significant threat to global biodiversity. Amphibians, including frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of habitat fragmentation due to their specific habitat requirements, limited dispersal capabilities, and sensitivity to environmental changes. Fragmentation leads to the isolation of amphibian populations, disrupting migration, breeding, and feeding patterns, which results in reduced genetic diversity and increased susceptibility to diseases and environmental stressors. The loss of continuous habitats also exposes amphibians to invasive species, pollution, and climate change-related challenges, further exacerbating their decline.