Land-use change is one of the main drivers of landscape transformation, affecting both landscape composition and configuration. Forest fragmentation represents a major ecological concern, resulting from habitat loss and the increasing spatial isolation of forest patches. Land take is a key process accelerating fragmentation. This study aims at analyzing and comparing forest fragmentation patterns, based on 2022 Apulia regional forest cover map, through 1) the assessment of forest composition, also through the forestation index (IF), and configuration using landscape metrics; 2) the assessment of multiscale forest fragmentation; and 3) the assessment of land take effect on forest fragmentation. The results show that forest fragmentation patterns varied considerably among Apulian provinces. Lecce and Brindisi provinces (IF= 4% and IF=3%) emerged as the most fragmented areas, showing high patch density. Bari province (IF= 7%) was classified as moderately fragmented, while Foggia province (IF= 18%) presented the lowest fragmentation levels and Taranto province (IF= 17%) showed intermediate fragmentation. Multiscale analysis revealed a higher degree of fragmentation in Taranto than in Foggia. The complete disappearance of intact forest areas at broader spatial scales in Taranto suggests reduced habitat connectivity, whereas Foggia maintained residual intact cores, reflecting a more compact and ecologically connected forest landscape. Land take results showed that Foggia, followed by Taranto province, are the most affected provinces. In Foggia, land take in forest areas increased from 4535.9 in 2022 to 4556.4 ha in 2024, while in Taranto it rose from 4278.0 ha to 4287.2 ha over the same period. Despite the lower fragmentation observed in Foggia and Taranto provinces, the extent of land take in forest highlights an increasing pressure, compromising the connectivity of forests core. These results underline the need for integrated, connectivity-based forest management strategies to mitigate land-take pressure and enhance landscape resilience.