Population size is the predictor of extinction probability. Also, the disjunction of forest patches inhibits the movement between isolated habitats. This resulting genetic isolation can be detrimental to the long-term health of resident populations due to inbreeding. Inbreeding erodes genetic variability, and eventually, the viability of a given population. The variety, frequency, distribution, and health of Illinois' wildlife depends directly on the size, species, and distribution of forest tracts.
Functional ecosystems are dependent upon the contiquity and connectivity of forest tracts.
Linkages or corridors between forest tracts will enable these forests to provide diverse ecological benefits for our State's game and non-game wildlife. This policy shift has increased the pressure on privately owned forests to meet our Nation's wood products needs. Over the next 25 years the demand for wood will increase by 25 percent. For Illinois, where over 90 percent of the forest land is privately owned, this demand shift to private lands will cause many problems in sustaining ecological function in our forest ecosystems, while at the same time, meeting wood product needs of our forest industries. The challenge facing forest managers will be to achieve a sustainable balance between these often conflicting needs.