The process of island abandonment by humans in recent European history

Abstract

Humans have inhabited islands since prehistoric times, often cyclically occupying and abandoning them. While these patterns are increasingly well-explored archaeologically, recent temporal changes in the island biogeography of humans are still poorly understood, with consequences for the social, economic and conservation planning of islands. Here, I asked: (1) at what rates European islands were abandoned in the last 150 years, (2) whether the process of abandonment is scale-dependent and, if so, whether small islands were abandoned more consistently than large islands and (3) whether abandonment rates and the shift from smaller to larger islands increased latitudinally? I collected data for 1850 (±20) and current human inhabitation across seven archipelagos and 234 islands across Europe. I used regression techniques (i.e. logistic and linear) to explore the process of island abandonment in recent human history. Across all islands, 29.5% have been abandoned in the last 150 years. The process of abandonment is scale-dependent and smaller islands were abandoned more consistently than larger islands. Rates of abandonment increased latitudinally and were higher in northern Europe compared to southern Europe. However, scale-dependent processes were similar across the latitudinal gradient. In conclusion, a large number of islands were abandoned in Europe in the last 150 years, more so if small in size and at higher latitudes. These results bridge with previous archaeological work and have implications across several disciplines, including the sustainability of small island economies, climate adaptation strategies and conservation planning. Of 234 European islands, almost a third were abandoned in the last 150 years, with rates ranging from 3.33% to 56% depending on the archipelago. Small islands were abandoned more consistently, likely due to the limited amount of resources and space available. Northern European islands were abandoned more consistently, likely due to harsher climatic conditions. Despite general trends, idiosyncratic differences among archipelagos exist because of varying historical, social, and political circumstances. Future trends might differ due to shifts in viable economic activities (e.g. tourism), technological advancements, and the impact of climate change.