In much of the world these fragile yet vital habitats are regarded as wastelands and as stubborn obstacles to development.

Still, recent human encroachment into the fragile habitat and the deer's relatively low rate of reproduction point to an uncertain future for the species.

To protect the fragile habitats provided by the caves and the forests surrounding them, this refuge is currently closed to the general public.

All biologists agree that the tropical rain forest is both the most fragile habitat and the one richest in species.

"You're talking some of the most fragile habitat."

The rest of the reserve is placed in the orange zone, for locations with fragile habitats but less tourism pressure.

In this context, settlers could be persuaded to avoid fragile habitats and loggers would be barred from the area.

And, for their first few years there, they would raise perfect hell with the fragile habitat.

We were all beginning to understand the lure of the unspoiled low desert, a fragile and fast-disappearing habitat.

Development in the park was limited by the steep terrain and fragile habitats.