How have mammals and birds with large territories been affected by habitat fragmentation?

Their populations have declined.

c) Their populations have declined.

Habitat fragmentation has had adverse effects on mammals and birds with large territories. When natural habitats are fragmented into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, or agriculture, it can disrupt the normal movement and behavior of these animals.

Here's an explanation of how mammals and birds with large territories are affected:

1. Limited Space: Fragmentation reduces the overall available space for these animals to roam and find resources. As a result, they may face competition for limited resources within the smaller habitat patches.
2. Disrupted Movement: Mammals and birds with large territories often need to move over long distances to find food, mates, and suitable nesting sites. Habitat fragmentation creates barriers and obstacles that hinder their movement, leading to decreased connectivity between populations.
3. Increased Isolation: Isolated habitat patches may not be large enough to support viable populations, especially for species that require extensive territories. This isolation can result in reduced genetic diversity and higher risks of inbreeding, which can further contribute to population decline.
4. Vulnerability to Predation: In fragmented landscapes, animals may be more exposed to predators as they are confined to smaller, more open areas with fewer hiding places and escape routes.
5. Reduced Reproduction Success: Habitat fragmentation can also disrupt breeding patterns and nesting sites, impacting reproductive success and survival rates of these species.

As a result of these factors, the populations of mammals and birds with large territories have often declined in fragmented landscapes. Conservation efforts that focus on habitat restoration, creating wildlife corridors, and protecting larger contiguous habitats are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation on these species and promote their long-term survival.