Why Protecting Wildlife Habitat Isn’t Enough

THE CONSERVATION FUND • September 15, 2026

Wildlife depends on healthy habitat for food, shelter, breeding, and survival. But simply setting aside land for wildlife is only part of the solution. They also need connected landscapes that give them room to move and thrive. Across the U.S., roads, housing, fences, and other development are breaking once-connected habitats into smaller, more isolated pieces — a process known as habitat fragmentation. Research shows that this fragmentation can reduce biodiversity by a staggering 75%. So, what happens when protected wildlife habitat becomes disconnected?