The really wild no-shows

How 1 in 8 UK species have vanished in just 50 years

BRITISH wildlife is in decline – and one in eight species have disappeared since 1970, a major study warns today.

Intensive farming, climate change and sprawling towns and cities are all fuelling the crisis, according to the State of Nature report 2019.

The survey – by 70 different wildlife organisations – says many species are in ‘serious trouble’ and could soon vanish.

It found 26 per cent of mammal species were at risk and some, including the Scottish wild cat and greater mouse- eared bat, were ‘teetering on the edge’. Butterfly numbers are down 17 per cent and moths have fallen by 25 per cent. Many species that require specialised habitats – such as the high brown fritillary butterfly and the grayling, a type of freshwater fish – have declined by more than three-quarters.

More than 70 wildlife organisations joined government agencies to compile the report, which looked at 700 different species. It found that 41 per cent were in decline and, since rigorous monitoring began in 1970, 13 per cent of British species have vanished. Conservationists say major changes in agriculture and the effects of climate change are having the biggest impacts, and warned that pollution remains a major issue.

Rosie Hails of the National Trust, said: ‘The UK’s wildlife is in serious trouble. We need to pull together with actions rather than words to stop and reverse the decline.

‘It’s not just government that needs to act; we can also all do our own bit for nature and wildlife including nature-friendly planting in our backyards.’

Report lead author Dr Daniel Hayhow of the RSPB said: ‘We know more about the UK’s wildlife than any other country on the planet, and what it is telling us should make us sit up and listen.’

There was some good news, with ‘inspiring’ results for a few UK species, including bitterns, beavers and the large blue butterfly.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said a new Environment Bill contained ‘ambitious measures to address the biggest environment priorities of our age, including restoring and enhancing nature for generations to come’.