Habitat Fragmentation Index Calculator
Quantify habitat fragmentation by comparing total habitat area to the number of separate patches and average patch size.
Mean Patch Size
50.0 km²
Mean Patch Size vs Total Habitat Area
公式
## Measuring Habitat Fragmentation Habitat fragmentation divides continuous ecosystems into smaller, isolated patches, reducing biodiversity and wildlife movement. ### Key Metrics **Mean Patch Size = Total Habitat Area / Number of Patches** **Largest Patch Index (LPI) = Largest Patch / Total Area x 100%** A high LPI indicates one dominant patch with good core habitat. Low mean patch size and high patch count indicate severe fragmentation. Species requiring large home ranges are most vulnerable to fragmentation.
计算示例
1,000 km² of forest split into 20 patches, with the largest being 400 km².
- 01Mean patch size = 1,000 / 20 = 50 km²
- 02Largest Patch Index = 400 / 1,000 x 100 = 40%
- 03Patch density = 20 / 1,000 x 100 = 2.0 patches per 100 km²
常见问题
Why is fragmentation harmful?
Fragmentation creates edge effects, isolates populations genetically, blocks migration corridors, and reduces interior habitat needed by sensitive species.
What is edge effect?
Edges of habitat patches have different conditions (more wind, light, predators) than the interior. Small patches are mostly edge with little true interior habitat.
How can fragmentation be reduced?
Wildlife corridors, buffer zones, and strategic land protection can reconnect patches. Corridor width should be at least 100-300 m for most mammals.