Habitat
is a combination of environmental factors that provides food,
water, cover and space that a living thing needs to survive
and reproduce. Habitat
types include: coastal and estuarine, rivers and streams,
lakes and ponds, wetlands, riparian areas, deserts, grasslands/prairie,
forests, coral reefs, marine, perennial snow and ice, and
urban.
Destruction,
degradation, and fragmentation of habitat is the driving force
behind today's decline in species and biodiversity. Impacts
to habitat can be caused directly by such activities as the
clearing of forests to grow crops or build homes, or indirectly,
for example, by the introduction of invasive species or increased
pollution run-off from yards and fields. It is the mission
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with others
to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants
and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. Learn more about the habitat-related activities of
the Service programs by visiting the links below - and get
involved.
Habitat Protection, Management and
Restoration
Partnerships, Grants,
and Financial Assistance for Habitat Conservation
Assessment and Monitoring
Project Planning, Permits,
Technical Assistance and Review
Education and Getting Involved
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Features
On
the Wild Side - Chesapeake Bay Field Office's new quarterly
newsletter
New
Blueprint for Migratory Birds and their habitats
Federal
Aid Funds habitat projects for 2004
Ocean
Commission recommendations could effect FWS habitat programs
National
Fish and Habitat Initiative
Geographically
Isolated
Wetlands Report
Stop
Aquatic Hitchhikers! Protect Your Waters
Habitats: Home
Sweet Home
Educator's Guide and Links
Want to protect habitat?
Buy a Duck
Stamp
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