A comprehensive analysis by wildlife scientists in Great Britain has revealed that one in six species is at risk of extinction. The report, titled the “State of Nature,” highlights that bird species, including turtle doves, face the most concerning situation, with 43% at risk of extinction. Other beloved species, such as the hazel dormouse, the lady’s slipper orchid, and the European eel, also face uncertain futures. Human activities, such as habitat loss, the spread of diseases like avian flu from factory farming, and the burning of fossil fuels leading to climate change, are identified as key factors contributing to this crisis.
The report is a collaborative effort involving 60 research and conservation organizations, providing a comprehensive assessment of the status of the UK’s wildlife. It shows that since 1970, the abundance of studied species has declined by an average of 19%. Amphibians and reptiles are also at risk, with 31% facing an uncertain future, and 28% of fungi and lichen species are under threat. Additionally, 26% of terrestrial mammals in Great Britain are facing extinction, and more than half (54%) of flowering plant species have seen declines in distribution.
Environmental groups, including the Wildlife Trusts, Greenpeace, Butterfly Conservation, and Plantlife, are staging protests to call for greater protections for the natural world outside the government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The “State of Nature” report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent further species loss and protect biodiversity.