HABITAT LOSS IN ONTARIO 3.4 Farmland, human settlements, and highways have replaced much of southern Ontario’s temperate forest ecosystem. Most of this habitat loss occurred when land was cleared for farmland. More recently, natural habitat has been lost to urban sprawl and highways. The loggerhead shrike is a bird that is threatened by habitat loss in southern Ontario. Vocabulary hierarchy (a) Most of southern Ontario has been converted from natural ecosystems to humanuses (orange area). (b) Only some of the remaining natural ecosystems are protected in parks and protected areas (green areas).

Habitat Loss around the World 3.4 Habitat Loss around the World Habitat loss is most significant in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In these regions, expanding populations put pressure on the land to supply more food and other products. Habitat Loss in the Amazon Rainforest In the Amazon rainforest, clearing and burning are the greatest threats to the ecosystem’s sustainability. If we reduce the demand for agricultural products produced in the tropics, we can reduce rainforest habitat loss. Vocabulary hierarchy Many of Earth’s ecosystems are vulnerable or critically endangered.

3.4 Fragmentation Fragmentation is the dividing up of a region into smaller parcels, or fragments. Fragmented ecosystems are less sustainable because more of the habitat is exposed to damaging outside influences, such as pollution.

3.4 Fragmentation Key factors that influence the sustainability of fragmented ecosystems include the following: size number of fragments proximity of fragments whether the fragments are connected whether roads and trails pass through the area On a global scale, habitat loss and fragmentation are second to climate change as the most serious threats to the sustainability of natural terrestrial ecosystems.

Loss of Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems 3.4 In many cases, human activities along shorelines damage aquatic ecosystems. Natural wetlands are flat, with good soil and plenty of water. These conditions are ideal for agriculture. Most of the large wetlands in southern Ontario have been converted to farmland. Creating new wetlands makes valuable habitats for wildlife and waterfowl. Hilliardton Marsh in northeastern Ontario is now a breeding location for at-risk birds. Vocabulary hierarchy