Agricultural intensification is driving a decline in bird populations across Europe

Key findings from the European bird study published in PNAS. Vincent Devictor   - Bird populations across continental Europe have declined by 25% in 40 years, with this figure reaching nearly 60% for species found in agricultural environments. Intensive farming is the main source of pressure linked to declining bird populations. These findings come from the largest and most comprehensive bird study to date in Europe. An extensive, Europe-wide scientific study has quantified for the first time the direct impact of different human activities on birds on a continental scale. Data collected over nearly 40 years shows a loss of nearly a quarter of all birds over this period. More specifically, the study demonstrates the predominant detrimental impact of agricultural intensification.