A recent study has revealed that thousands of species in Wales are facing the threat of extinction.
The report, described as a “first of its kind in the UK,” identifies Wales’ most endangered species, including the high brown fritillary butterfly and Snowdon leaf beetle, based on their limited geographical distribution, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
The study found that approximately three thousand species now exist in five or fewer locations, making them highly susceptible to habitat loss, climate change, and sudden catastrophic events such as severe storms.
The Welsh government body, responsible for conservation and environmental protection, hopes the findings will facilitate the strategic allocation of resources to areas at the greatest risk of irreversible species loss.
Since the turn of the millennium, Wales has already witnessed the extinction of 11 species, including the European turtle dove and belted beauty moth, which have become geographically extinct in the region.
The “Species in Peril” report cautions that other species, such as the high brown fritillary butterfly, rainbow-colored Snowdon leaf beetle, Arctic-Alpine pea mussel, woolly feather-moss, and eyed chestnut wrinkle-lichen, could face a similar fate.
However, NRW specialists suggest that saving these species may not require extensive financial resources.
“Some of the solutions for these species are incredibly simple,” stated Mannon Lewis, strategic projects lead for NRW.
“It involves modifying grazing practices, adjusting grass cutting schedules, avoiding deforestation, and exploring alternative methods for hedge trimming.”
“These are low-cost, straightforward measures, and we now have precise knowledge of where they need to be implemented.”
The report emphasizes the crucial role of both nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in ensuring the survival of plant and animal species.
It highlights locations such as Newborough Warren on Anglesey, which provides a habitat for 130 of the at-risk species.
This designated national nature reserve, comprised of sand dunes and forests, is already implementing projects aimed at improving the environment.
Measures already taken include the introduction of grazing ponies and the opening up of some dune areas to natural elements.
“Significant progress has already been made,” said Mike Howe, one of the ecologists involved in the study.
“Within months of opening up some of these bare areas, beetle species that had not been recorded on Newborough for approximately 10 years suddenly reappeared in large numbers.”
Conservationist Tyler Hallman noted that NRW’s approach, particularly the linking of networks of special sites and nature reserves, offers a positive way forward and could potentially lead to the return of species currently extinct in Wales.
“I believe there are significant conservation success stories to be told,” he said.
“The European turtle dove is extinct in Wales, but its population in Europe has increased substantially in recent years, so it is possible that it could return.”
“As conditions improve and species as a whole fare better, we might see things returning. I think that’s a huge positive—there are actions we can take.”
Suffolk Wildlife Trust expresses gratitude to all who donated to its appeal.
Residents of Dunchurch are opposing expansion proposals for the site.
A survey reveals a “catastrophic” decline in the number of young Atlantic salmon in the River Frome.
It is a race against time for this wild dog mother to rescue her youngest pups when their den collapses.
Keepers at Paradise Park report that Suri was over 10 years old at the time of her death.