Africa - Degradation and Fragmentation

Degradation - the temporary or permanent deterioration in the density or structure of vegetation cover or species composition, resulting from the removal of plants and trees important in the life cycle of other species, from erosion, and from other adverse changes in the local environment. Caused by selective logging and by not replanting artificial or regenerating natural forests.

Throughout Africa, wetlands are used for wood, hunting, fishing, land for crops and pasture, and help with aquifer recharging and flood control. Wetlands provide crutial habitats for migratory birds and other species that thrive and live in these unique ecosystems. Degradation of wetlands is due to modern development. Such as bulding dams.

Degradation occurs only where actions lead to damaging alterations to the soil system and to plant cover. Ddamage to soil systems comes from erosion or from physical and chemical changes in the soil. In areas where soil is dry it erosion by wind and water is severe due to its thin nature.

Fragmentation - arises from road construction and similar human intrusions in forest areas; it leaves forest edges vulnerable to increased degradation through changes in micro-climates, loss of native species and the invasion of alien species, and further disturbances by human beings. Degradation and fragmentation have a greater impact on the diversity of plants and animals then deforestation