A global study has found that degraded and modified landscapes such as croplands and pastures can still retain significant biodiversity value, hosting 18% of threatened terrestrial vertebrates and 10% of endangered plants. Although these human-altered areas are not an adequate substitute for fully intact wild habitat, they can complement and connect the protection of wildlands and natural ecosystems.

The research recommends integrating biodiversity goals and habitat restoration efforts when managing agricultural areas and developed land, as even small changes could expand available habitat for declining species. Restoring native vegetation, limiting pesticides, and adopting wildlife-friendly farming practices in these modified environments may aid conservation.

While intact, undisturbed habitat remains crucial for many rare species, the study suggests that restored and thoughtfully managed agricultural lands could play an important complementary role in conservation. The researchers conclude that we need to value and enhance the biodiversity potential of the working landscapes where people live and produce food.

Degraded areas may be partially defunct ecologically but still retain wildlife value. Biodiversity can persist even in habitats modified for human use, such as croplands and pastures, especially if some native vegetation remains.

Strategic habitat restoration in agricultural and developed areas could expand available habitat for threatened species and create connectivity between natural ecosystems. Even small habitat gains can aid declining wildlife in human-dominated landscapes.