According to a recent study performed at the University of York by researchers from the Department of Biology, increased level of human activities have destroyed the homes of animals and plants.
The study appeared in the journal Conservation Letters and concludes that the natural habitats of certain species have become secluded islands as a result of increased human activities. Also, some species groups find it difficult to change their home grounds intone with the changing weather conditions.
The new research utilized population models of Yorkshire and Humber to prove that several species were not able to settle down as a colony from their isolated living places. It found that re-creation of habitat in various regions will assist at least some of the species groups to settle as a colony instead of remaining isolated. The study team has discovered and suggested that linking habitats using stepping stones is an effective strategy.
It was found that re-establishing habitat patches all over the region was another fairly effective strategy for all habitat types. The report cautions against the idea of having a reinstated habitat near an existing habitat because it does not result in successful settlement of the species.
Dr Jenny Hodgson, Lead author of the study, who is involved in introducing the computer models for the study, stated that reinstating a habitat near an existing habitat location may only result in an increase in the current population. He suggested that providing habitat with large gaps can assist the large scale movement of species to other areas.
Source: http://www.york.ac.uk/