Threats to the European Alpine environment and its species

Since prehistoric times human activity has altered the habitats of many plants and animals in the Alps. Nonetheless, human presence has never been so concentrated as to completely destroy the beauty and richness of this mountain system.

However, human activities are unfortunately starting to have a serious negative impact. Global climate change, air pollution and land-use changes are all affecting the Alps with increasing intensity.

The loss and fragmentation of habitats are the major threats to Alpine biological diversity.

Spreading settlements destroy living space; road networks and river dams interrupt migration corridors; water and air pollution reduces the quality of natural ecosystems, while sustainable forms of land use disappear.