Landscape fragmentation, caused by the development of urban centers, intensive agriculture and infrastructures, experienced in Europe over the last few decades has led to an alarming decrease in wildlife populations. Fragmentation results in the collision of animals with vehicles, prevents their access to resources, facilitates the spread of invasive species, reduces the area and quality of their habitats, and subdivides and isolates animal populations into smaller and more vulnerable fractions.

The recent report "Landscape fragmentation in Europe", the result of a collaboration between the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), is the first attempt to estimate the extent of landscape fragmentation in the continent using a scientifically sound method.

The outputs of the survey are alarming, since many areas in Europe already experience a high level of landscape fragmentation. The most affected regions are the Benelux countries, followed by Malta, Germany and France.

Even if it presents the situation as critical, the report provides several suggestions for the management of those landscapes which are not yet fragmented. It also stresses the fact that a higher awareness among decision makers of the risks of landscape degradation and the adoption of proper measures when planning new infrastructures could successfully reverse the trend of growing fragmentation.