Biol. Rev. (2024), 99, pp. 1411–1424. doi: 10.1111/brv.13073 This review addresses the confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research. Habitat fragmentation is a key topic in environmental science, but there is widespread confusion about its definition and effects. The authors identify that the term 'habitat fragmentation' is used to represent a variety of different phenomena, leading to confusion and stigma. They argue that this confusion and stigma have led to suboptimal environmental policies and actions. The authors suggest that the term 'habitat fragmentation' should be reserved for a specific concept, 'fragmentation per se', which refers to the increase in the number of habitat patches for a given total habitat area. They also suggest that study designs should be developed to assess the effects of habitat fragmentation independently of habitat area. The authors highlight the importance of distinguishing between habitat area and fragmentation in study design and suggest that future research should focus on understanding the situations where effects of habitat fragmentation per se are neutral, positive, or negative. They conclude that reducing confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research is essential for improving the effectiveness of conservation policies and achieving biodiversity and sustainability goals.Biol. Rev. (2024), 99, pp. 1411–1424. doi: 10.1111/brv.13073 This review addresses the confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research. Habitat fragmentation is a key topic in environmental science, but there is widespread confusion about its definition and effects. The authors identify that the term 'habitat fragmentation' is used to represent a variety of different phenomena, leading to confusion and stigma. They argue that this confusion and stigma have led to suboptimal environmental policies and actions. The authors suggest that the term 'habitat fragmentation' should be reserved for a specific concept, 'fragmentation per se', which refers to the increase in the number of habitat patches for a given total habitat area. They also suggest that study designs should be developed to assess the effects of habitat fragmentation independently of habitat area. The authors highlight the importance of distinguishing between habitat area and fragmentation in study design and suggest that future research should focus on understanding the situations where effects of habitat fragmentation per se are neutral, positive, or negative. They conclude that reducing confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research is essential for improving the effectiveness of conservation policies and achieving biodiversity and sustainability goals.