Eden Species Report Reveals Britain's Most Endangered Species

Aug 27, 2011
Elizabeth Batt

The hedgehog could be extinct in just 14 years - Jürgen Howaldt

A new study released by the UK's Eden Channel, has revealed that Britain's wildlife is facing dire times and potential extinction.

A comprehensive new study on the state of Britain's wildlife has yielded some shocking results. Animals across the country are suffering because of a loss of habitat, with some species severely endangered and others, such as the hedgehog, facing possible extinction in the next 40 years. The Eden Species Report, which revealed the top ten most endangered critters, suggests that unless concerted conservation efforts are made, "Some native UK species could soon become a footnote in natural history."

The study, commissioned by the natural history channel Eden, was led by Doctor Toni Bunnell, from the University of Hull in York. By examining the reasons behind species' deterioration, the estimated rate of decline and population statistics, researchers were able to determine which species were most and risk and recommend an action plan of conservation. The top ten most threatened and endangered species included in the report, are listed below.

The Capercaillie, the Scottish Wildcat and Red-Necked Phalarope

Scotland's wildlife is already in significant trouble. It was recently revealed that the area's birds of prey, are being decimated by inadvertent and deliberate pesticide poisoning. Scotland's Scottish Wildcat, the Red-Necked Phalaropeis and the Capercaillie are also under threat says the Eden Report, for a variety of reasons.

Primarily found in Scotland, the Capercaillie – a member of the grouse family, has seen an 80% rate of decline over the past 42 years. Only 900 birds remain in the UK, making them highly susceptible to extinction.

The report also estimates that the Red-necked Phalarope is one of two bird species that is the most threatened. Phalaropes breed on the Western and Northern Isles of Scotland and as waders, are adapted to being on water. Climate change sees this bird species near extinction, having declined 25% over 10 years. Only "36 breeding pairs" remain, say researchers.

Third at threat in Scotland, is the Scottish Wildcat. Found only in the North Highlands and Grampians regions, the wildcats are at risk from hybridization and loss of habitat and only 400 genetically pure wildcats remain in the wild.

As the numbers of wildcat hybrids rise, the genetically pure cats will reduce in number, facing possible extinction by 2050. The Scottish Wildcat Association describes, the wildcat as a crucial part of Scotland's heritage. As "Britain's only remaining wild feline," they say, the wildcat extends, "Far back in the history of Scotland ... [when] ... clans formed together under the image of the wildcat and fought wars for the independence of the land."

Turtle Dove

This is the second bird species most at threat cites the Eden report, with a 90% decline over the last 40 years. With its distinctive purring call, it is being threatened by the loss of agricultural land and feeding grounds. Most common in Southern and Eastern England, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Turtle Dove does extend into Wales.

The Red Squirrel

Facing habitat loss and competition from North American Grey Squirrels, the Red Squirrel says Eden, "Is unlikely to exist in the UK 20 years from now." Across Great Britain and Ireland, numbers have decreased drastically, declining a staggering 95% over the last 50 years.

Other UK species named in the report include:

The Black-Tailed Godwit. A large wading bird down to only 50 breeding pairs
The Natterjack Toad. Considered to be the UK's most endangered amphibious species. Only 2,500 breeding females remain in the UK
The Cuckoo. Declined by 58% in the last 25 years
The Brown Hare because of habitat loss, has declined 80% over a century

The delightful hedgehog, a master of pest control, must deal with road traffic, habitat loss and pesticide residue on a regular basis. As a result, estimated remaining numbers sit at about one million. Sounds like a goodly number does it not? Not so, say researchers. Hedgehog numbers have declined 25% over the past 10 years. If this rate continues suggests the Eden Report, Hedgehogs in the UK could be extinct in 14 years, by the year 2025.

It is dreadfully sad to bear witness to such potentially catastrophic numbers. When was the last time you recall seeing any of the animals in the above list? They can be saved with the right conservation measures says the report, you just have to be willing. To help rescue these species, visit Eden Television and download their guide, which offers tip on conserving the UK's most endangered species.