ENDANGERED SPECIES

Sadly there are huge numbers of animals all over the world that are seriously at risk of endangerment or extinction. Within the UK itself, polluted waterways, continued farming and construction, and a lack of awareness about the delicate balance of the surrounding environment have all contributed to declining numbers of wildlife including birds, reptiles, fish, insects and small animals. The UK is fortunate to have a varied landscape with many different types of habitat which – if cared for properly – could support a diverse range of wildlife. Ensuring that these habitats remain protected and untouched by the growth of urban areas is a real struggle, both for the environmental agencies within the government and local councils, and for wildlife protection groups.

Many of the endangered species listed that occur in the UK are birds – in fact, according to the Biodiversity Action Plan put out by the British government in tandem with a number of wildlife organizations, one in every five British bird species are now considered endangered or at risk. Other wildlife is equally in trouble – bumblebees, for instance, are rapidly disappearing. Pond life is increasingly under threat. Leatherback turtles and spiny seahorses are also of great concern, as is the status of the water vole and common skate fish. Red squirrels are quickly losing ground to the introduced grey squirrel.

Unfortunately there are so many animals classed as being at risk presently that there are not enough organizations and workers to address the problem effectively. Within the UK there is a tendency to focus on the ‘big name’ animals – such as the primates, big cats and elephants – rather than on the less popular UK species. This is slowly changing, but perhaps not quick enough to save the state of some of the most endangered species.