What is the best strategy to preserve biodiversity?

The best strategy to preserve biodiversity is avoiding habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation refers to the process where larger habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, which can severely impact the species that rely on those habitats for survival. When habitats are fragmented, it often leads to a decline in biodiversity because it restricts the movement of species, reduces genetic diversity, and can create "edge effects" that are often detrimental to interior-dwelling species.

By maintaining larger, connected habitats, species can migrate, find mates, and access resources more effectively, which is critical for their survival. Additionally, connected habitats can support a larger variety of species overall, promoting ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity.

In contrast, strategies such as encouraging urban expansion can lead to further fragmentation and habitat loss, while conducting controlled burns, although beneficial for certain ecosystems, does not directly address the broader issues of habitat loss and fragmentation. Planting non-native species may introduce competition and diseases to native flora and fauna, ultimately harming local ecosystems rather than preserving them.