Human activity impact on the heterogeneity of a Mediterranean landscape

The Mediterranean area is one of the most significantly altered hotspots on Earth, since it has been intensively affected by human activity for millennia. As a result, only 4.7% of its primary vegetation remained unaltered and the landscape has been repeatedly transformed. In this paper, we aimed at detecting both the direction and the rate of landscape change focusing on the effects of human activity on the environmental heterogeneity of the Mediterranean landscape under study. In particular, we carried out an analysis of landscape changes occurred in a Mediterranean area from 1954 to 2000, by means of a comparative examination of a historical and a recent land use map. Land use changes have been quantified by landscape metrics coupled with topographical information. Results underline: i) a general homogenisation of the landscape, ii) modification of the arrangements for exploitation of the territory, particularly in the plain areas, iii) a trend of recovery of the territory by the forest to the detriment of semi-natural and agricultural areas in hilly and mountain parts. The analysis of the complex phenomena related to land use changes can be a useful tool to define effective strategies for natural resources management and biodiversity conservation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.