Wildlife habitat

Wildlife habitat is an area and its resources that support the survival and reproduction of wild organisms. It includes the physical conditions, food, water, shelter, and other resources organisms need.

Ecological niche: The conditions and resources that shape a species’ survival and role in an ecosystem. A niche describes how a species uses habitat resources and conditions.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, more isolated patches. Fragmentation changes habitat area, connectivity, and exposure to edges.
Habitat conservation: The protection and management of places that support wild organisms. It applies habitat knowledge to prevent loss of essential resources and areas.
Habitat loss: The reduction or destruction of areas that support a species or ecological community. Loss removes the places and resources needed for survival and reproduction.
Coral reef: A marine ecosystem built largely by reef-forming corals in warm, shallow waters. Reefs combine structure, food, and shelter for diverse marine wildlife.
Ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting with one another and with their physical environment. Habitat is part of the broader system of organisms and environmental processes.
Habitat connectivity: The degree to which landscapes allow organisms to move among habitat areas. Movement between patches can sustain populations and access resources.
Habitat restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems. Restoration rebuilds the conditions and resources wildlife needs.
Extinction debt: The future extinction of species resulting from past habitat loss or environmental change. Populations can persist temporarily after habitat degradation has made their long-term survival unlikely.
Mangrove forest: A coastal wetland forest dominated by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. Mangroves provide nursery areas and shelter at the land–sea boundary.

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