Habitat Connectivity in Austria
Connected habitats are essential for diverse and resilient communities and healthy ecosystems.
Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation are among the most significant causes of biodiversity loss in Austria. Climate change is forcing many species to leave their original ranges and migrate to new areas. Infrastructure and development can often create insurmountable barriers and seriously jeopardize the survival of such species. Habitat connectivity is therefore also of essential importance for adaptation to climate change. At EU and international level, habitat connectivity is increasingly becoming a focus of attention.
Several years ago, the Environment Agency Austria and the former Federal Ministry for Climate Action began addressing habitat connectivity as an issue and have continuously developed important information and planning resources together with stakeholders and affected parties.