Wales' Wildlife Crisis: 3,000 Species at Risk

A new report from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has identified that nearly 3,000 species within Wales are at serious risk of extinction. These species, ranging from well-known animals to obscure fungi and lichen, are primarily threatened because they survive in only a handful of locations across the country. This concerning situation has already led to the loss of 11 species since the turn of the millennium, including the turtle dove and belted beauty moth.

The Species in Peril report highlights the precarious state of nature in Wales, with specific concerns for beloved creatures like the black grouse and high brown fritillary butterfly. Mammals such as five species of bats and the unique Skomer vole are also on the list, alongside numerous invertebrates, fungi, and lichens. Experts point to climate change and agricultural intensification as broader pressures, but emphasize that for geographically restricted species, more localized issues like woodland management and water level changes are critical.

Despite the stark warnings, the report offers optimism, suggesting that safeguarding these species does not require significant financial outlay. Many can be protected by adapting existing land management practices, such as clearing scrub or managing peatlands. Conservation efforts like reintroducing grazing animals and enhancing island biosecurity are already showing positive results, indicating that with focused action, the decline of Wales' biodiversity can be halted and potentially reversed.