One in six species threatened with extinction in Wales, according to report

A new report has described a wildlife "crisis" in Wales after it emerged one in six species are now seen as "at threat" of extinction.

Data compiled by The State of Nature report also shows dwindling species numbers, with an average 20% decline in Welsh wildlife since the early 1990s.

It says that Wales is now "one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth."

The State of Nature, which started in 1994, is a UK-wide report that studies wildlife populations and their habitats.

It compiles data gathered by more than 50 leading wildlife groups and conservation organisations, such as The National Trust, the Wildlife Trust and Greenpeace.

It is considered to set the basis for the status of the UK's wildlife and informs the approach that leading bodies take to the country's wildlife.

In its findings climate change, pollution and over-farming are blamed for what is described as "a significant loss of biodiversity."

Some species most at risk are animals such as Fen Orchid, Water Vole and Sand Lizard.

Atlantic Salmon and Curlew have also seen huge declines in Wales.

There were also marked changes in the flora of Wales identified in the report. It describes a drop in the distributions of flowering plant species, mosses and hepatics.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We will carefully consider the ideas for further action on nature contained within this important report.

“As a government, we are determined to set ambitious policy and to help more people play an even bigger role in addressing this global challenge, as we know we must do."

The report does show some positive changes through the work of conservation groups to protect wildlife habitats.

Historic declines in bat numbers have been reversed thanks to conservation work to protect the places they live.

Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales says: "Nature is threatened by poor management, development, pollution and the use of pesticides.

She added: "With 90% of the land in Wales farmed, farmers have a unique role to play in nature's recovery and must be recognised and enabled to implement further measures for nature through the new sustainable farming scheme that will be introduced by the Welsh Government in 2025."

North Wales Wildlife Trust says "these wonderful places are under threat from pollution, habitat loss and climate change".

The once common upland bird the curlew is on the verge of extinction in Wales – with numbers plunging by 6% a year. 

Frances Cattanach, Chief Executive of North Wales Wildlife Trust says: "We desperately need wilder and more natural areas to help wildlife recover, enable nature to adapt to climate change and create healthier, happier, and more prosperous communities.

"Nature recovery is the answer to so many social challenges and it’s up to our elected representatives to ensure that is reflected in policies ahead of the next election.” 

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