A couple of illustrations by Mariaelena Caputi on the decline of bird populations in Europe caused by the increasing use of fertilizers and pesticides as well as by agricultural intensification. The first illustration represents a seed on whose surface is carved a skull, the universal symbol for highlighting the toxicity of poisonous substances. The second illustration shows a now uninhabited birdhouse displaying a sign that reads, " We've moved”.

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. More specifically scientists show that the most adverse effects come from the increased per-hectare use of fertilizers and pesticides associated with agricultural intensification. Because fertilizers and pesticides can disrupt the entire food chain of an ecosystem, this trend has led to the decline of many bird populations.