Animals A
quarter of native mammals are now at risk of extinction in the UK, an alarming
new report has revealed. T e fi rst Red List of Britain’s
Mammals, a comprehensive review of the status of species, including wildcats, red squirrels and hedgehogs, highlights those most at risk of dying out in the near future. T e authors of the report, produced by
the Mammal Society for Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, have called for urgent action to prevent their loss. T e study shows that 11 of the
47 mammals native to Britain are classifi ed as being at imminent risk of extinction, with a further fi ve species classifi ed as ‘near threatened’ and four ‘data defi cient’, meaning not enough is known about their conservation status. “T e new Red List provides a very
clear basis for prioritising funding and conservation eff orts for the future,” comments Fiona Mathews, Mammal Society Chair and Professor at the University of Sussex, who led the report. “Twenty species - those classed as
threatened, near threatened and data defi cient - all need urgent attention. While we bemoan the demise of wildlife in other parts of the world, here in Britain we are managing to send even rodents towards extinction. T ings have to change rapidly if we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the wildlife we take for granted.” Among the animals listed as being
at risk of extinction in the UK are the water vole, hedgehog, hazel dormouse, wildcat and the grey, long-eared bat. T e European wolf is already extinct. According to the Mammal Society,
the reasons for the startling declines vary between species. T e wildcat, pine marten, and
beaver (which is doing well in the scattered locations where it has been reintroduced) have been victims of extensive historical persecution.
www.jimmysfarm.com
Saving the animals
20
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is home to 80 species and breeds, with conservation work at the core of its mission. We bring
you the latest national conservation news and some key areas where we’re trying to make a difference.
water vole
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