Effects of protected area downsizing on habitat fragmentation in Yosemite National Park (USA), 1864 – 2014

Between 1864 and 2014, Yosemite National Park experienced significant habitat fragmentation due to protected area downsizing. The study found that reductions in park boundaries led to increased isolation of ecosystems, particularly in meadows and old-growth forests, which are critical for biodiversity conservation. Researchers analyzed historical land-use changes using GIS mapping and landscape metrics to quantify fragmentation patterns over time. This work highlights the long-term ecological consequences of political or administrative decisions on protected areas, emphasizing the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate habitat loss.

Golden Kroner, R. E., Krithivasan, R., & Mascia, M. B. (2016). Effects of protected area downsizing on habitat fragmentation in Yosemite National Park (USA), 1864 – 2014. Ecology and Society, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.5751/es-08679-210322