On the Brink
5.1 July 2017
Over half of UK species are in decline1 – officially over 900 of Britain’s plant and animal species are on the brink of extinction. Some 140 of these are in danger of being lost in the near future unless we take urgent action.2
The Watchlist Indicator shows the average population trend for a range of animals listed as priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The graph describes a consistent decline of UK wildlife over the last four decades – since 1970 populations on the indicator have dropped by a massive 77%. But just as importantly the indicator illustrates an 18% decline of populations of between 2000 and 2010. This is concerning because the trend has not levelled out in response to recent conservation actions.3
“140 [species] are considered to have a high risk of extinction… with 60 considered to be extinct by 2020.”2
The Back from the Brink programme is a nationwide effort by a range of NGO’s, assisted by the public, to try and secure the survival of 20 of the most threatened species in 150 key habitats across the United Kingdome. A grant of £4.6 million from the National Lottery has been announced to fund the works. This is a good start – but much, much more, is required if Britain’s most vulnerable species are to avoid disappearing forever.4
“Our natural world is in trouble… [we] need to take action to protect our most threatened species from extinction.”1
On the Brink
5.2 July 2017