European nature and biodiversity

Europe's land, without the human intervention of the last 3,000 years, would be covered 80 to 90 percent by forests today. The rest would be virgin meadows, pristine mountains and clean rivers.

Human endeavours have resulted in a profound modification of the original landscape through deforestation, agriculture, the drainage of wetlands, coastline and river course modifications, mining, road construction, urbanisation and other environmentally harmful activities.

As a result, lowland forests and wetlands have disappeared, and many animals and plants have had to find refuge in relatively small enclaves. It is now impossible for people to avoid these issues if a love for nature and admiration of its beauty is to grow into wise management and a caring attitude for its resources.

Bio-geographic regions in Europe 

Ecosystems in Europe 

European flora and fauna