Changes in landscape patterns are analysed in two areas of southern Spain during the second half of the 20th century. There was a general trend of the human population to abandon the areas poor in economically productive resources (mountains) and concentrate in high quality farmland. At the same time agricultural technology was improved. Main changes in the structure of the landscape have occurred at small scales: there is now lower heterogeneity and connectivity than 50 years ago. This simplification have had negative effects not only on key ecotonic species such as rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and their predators, but also on animal movements across the landscape, community vulnerability to disturbance (fire), higher exposure of animal populations to disease outbreaks, and on nutrient circulation. Palabras clave: Connectivity, Ecotone, Landscape, Land-use, Mountain, Rabbit