Sixty per cent of species in decline
A groundbreaking study by leading conservation and research organisations has found that 60 per cent of UK species are in a decline.
The study, which was the first of its kind in the UK, involved a stock-take of our native species, taken by scientists from 25 different wildlife organisations.
Of those species studied, more than one in ten were found to be in danger of disappearing entirely.
Lead author of the report, Dr Mark Eaton, says: "This report reveals that the UK’s nature is in trouble - overall we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate.
According to Dr Eaton, species in all parts of the UK are seeing declines, with 472 species considered in Northern Ireland. The Irish hare population, for example, has declined by a quarter over the past 25 years.
Dr Eaton continues: "Threats including sweeping habitat loss, changes to the way we manage our countryside, and the more recent impact of climate change, have had a major impact on our wildlife, and they are not going away."
Introducing the report, Sir David Attenborough said: “This groundbreaking report is a stark warning – but it is also a sign of hope…
"We have in this country a network of passionate conservation groups supported by millions of people who love wildlife. The experts have come together today to highlight the amazing nature we have around us and to ensure that it remains here for generations to come."
The State of Nature report was published by conservation charities on May 22 at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. Events were also held in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London, where Sir David Attenborough attended.
Image: Dartford warbler, Arne RSPB reserve, Dorset. Credit: Ben Hall
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