What are animal habitats?

A habitat is the environment in which a species can meet its needs for food, shelter, reproduction and survival.

Habitat components

Forest, grassland, wetland, cave and coral reef are broad labels, but smaller features may determine whether a species thrives. A nursery area can differ from the adult feeding site. Temperature, moisture, water quality, cover and relationships with other species matter together. Two species in the same place need not have the same requirements. Migrants use multiple habitats through the year.

Fragmentation and protection

Roads, dams and development can divide habitats into disconnected pieces, hampering movement and reproduction. Connectivity and quality matter along with the size of protected areas. IUCN species assessments consider habitat, range and threats together. Restoration is more than planting trees; water regimes, native species and the animal’s actual needs also matter.