Map reveals areas where mammals are at risk of extinction
The risk of extinction faced by many mammals has been graphically exposed in a new study.
Researchers have long assumed that 'habitat fragmentation' contributes to the extinction risk for animals, but have not been able to measure it for animals on a global scale.
In the first study of its kind, researchers have successfully measured habitat fragmentation for more than 4,000 species of land-dwelling mammals.
Among the findings, researchers discovered that species with more habitat fragmentation are at greater risk of extinction.
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In the first study of its kind, researchers have successfully measured and mapped habitat fragmentation for more than 4,000 species of land-dwelling mammals. Red denotes highly fragmented areas and blue denotes areas with low fragmentation
Study lead author Professor Kevin Crooks, of Colorado State University, said the research has implications for assessing the threat of extinction for mammals and setting priorities for global mammal conservation.
He said: 'For the first time in Earth's history, one species - Homo sapiens, or humans - dominates the globe.
'In contrast to prior eras, we travel and communicate across the entire planet.
'Unfortunately, the more "connected" we become, non-human life with which we share this planet becomes increasingly disconnected, at their peril.'
The research team used high-resolution habitat-suitability models to measure the degree of fragmentation for the world's mammals.
The research team used high-resolution habitat-suitability models to measure the degree of fragmentation for the world's mammals, including bobcats (pictured)Â
Scientists then examined the relationship between habitat fragmentation and exti nction risk, as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and developed a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of animals and plants.Â
The team also produced global maps, predicting key areas of intact high-quality habitat as well as hotspots of fragmentation for mammals.
Professor Crooks told MailOnline: 'There are a variety of examples of mammals at risk of extinction due to habitat fragmentation.Â
'Some interesting examples include the Golden-crowned Sifaka, the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the Calamian Deer, the Cusp-Toothed Flying Fox, and the Hispid Hare.'
Habitat models demonstrate that most suitable environments for mammals are located outside of known protected areas.
This map emphasises regions that have been fragmented by human development specifically (shown in red) and de-emphasizes regions that are naturally fragmented such as high-elevation areas and landscapes with water bodies interspersed (shown in blue)
Professor Crooks told MailOnline: 'There are a variety of examples of mammals at risk of extinction due to habitat fragmentation. Some interesting examples include the Golden-crowned Sifaka (pictured right), the Greater One-Horned Rhino (pictured left), the Calamian Deer, the Cusp-Toothed Flying Fox, and the Hispid Hare'
Human activities such as urban development and deforestation can lead to habitat fragmentation.
Professor Crooks said fragmentation reduces the total amount of habitat available to wildlife, but also simultaneously isolates the habitat that remains, preventing movement of animals in previously connected landscapes.
In previous research, Professor Crooks and his colleagues found that large carnivores, mountain lions and bobcats, decline and at times disappear , in highly-fragmented urban areas in the United States.
He said habitat fragmentation also intensifies the effects of other agents of global environmental change, including limiting the ability of wildlife to shift locations in response to climate change.
Professor Crooks added: 'Habitat fragmentation needs to be addressed urgently, but it is also a manageable global conservation challenge.
'We hope that this research will provide critical guidance to conservation practitioners and policymakers setting strategic priorities for global mammal conservation.
'The findings of the study warrant intensified efforts to protect remnant habitat patches, as well as to restore connectivity to fragmented landscapes through conservation tools such as wildlife corridors and habitat linkages.'Â
In previous research, Professor Crooks and his colleagues found that large carnivores, mountain lions (pictured) and bobcats decline and at times disappear, in highly-fragmented urban areas in the United States
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