Introduction: Crisis hidden in our rural areas
Animals Endangered in the UK: Have you ever noticed that the UK’s biodiversity index (53%) is one of the lowest of 10 countries, including Brazil (90%+), Australia (70%+), and India (63-65%) (according to the Global Biodiversity Interacting Index (BII))?
Britain is one of the countries in the world that has become the most disconnected from nature. We often think of endangered species as foreign animals found in far-flung rainforests, but the harsh truth is that many original animals of Britain are disappearing quietly.
This article will reveal the shocking truth that animals in the UK are threatened, why this is happening, and what you can do. Whether you are emotional about wildlife or simply eager, this guide will give you insight (and equipment) to make a difference.
What does ‘endangered’ mean in the UK?
An animal can be classified as “endangered” when the species is on the verge of complete extinction. To put it simply, if immediate and strict measures are not taken to save this animal, then the coming generations can see it only in documents, meaning it can disappear from the world forever in the coming time.
This is not just an estimated figure but is determined under a scientific process. In the UK, the current status of a species is examined very closely before placing it in this category.
How is it decided?
Several major organisations work to determine this status. The two most important of these are:
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): It is an international organisation that evaluates the current status of species around the world. Its “Red List” is the world’s most comprehensive list that tells which species are under the threat of extinction. Scientists collect all kinds of information related to these animals, such as the number of animals, their habitat, and the threats they face, and on the basis of some important factors, they say that these species which have come under the category of extinction are placed in the category of ‘endangered’.
UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP): This is a plan of the UK, which aims to maintain and promote biodiversity in the country. Under this plan too, those species are identified on the basis of scientific data and surveys which have come under the category of danger. This plan then decides to run special conservation programmes according to the data to save those species.
Top 10 Shocking Examples of Animals Endangered in the UK
Let’s take a closer look at some heartbreaking but important examples of endangered species in the UK and the specific reasons for their decline.
* Red Squirrel
Once common, the red squirrel has been pushed out by the larger, more aggressive grey squirrel, which was introduced from the US. Grey squirrels also carry a deadly pox virus, and their numbers are further threatened by deforestation and urban development.
* Scottish Wildcat
Often called the “Highland Tiger”, this elusive cat is critically endangered. Its main threat is interbreeding with domestic cats, which has led to a loss of the purebred species. There are now believed to be fewer than 300 individuals left in the wild.
* Water Vole
Made famous by “The Wind in the Willows”, this small mammal has seen a devastating 90% decline in its population. The primary reasons are attacks from predators like the American mink and the destruction of its riverside habitats.
* Hedgehog
Once a common garden visitor, the rural hedgehog population has been halved since 2000. These animals face a triple threat: habitat loss, a lack of food due to pesticide use, and a high risk of being killed by vehicles while foraging at night.
Natterjack Toad
The natterjack toad is a perfect example of habitat specialisation; unlike other toads, it requires very specific conditions to survive: sandy, open ground and shallow, temporary ponds. This used to be easily met by Britain’s coastline, but coastal development and land reclamation have caused significant loss of these unique habitats. This has greatly reduced the toad’s ability to find safe places to breed and live, making it one of Britain’s rarest amphibians.
Capercaillie
Often called the “ghost of the Scottish Highlands”, the capercaillie is a giant grouse that relies entirely on ancient pine forests. Human disturbances such as hiking or logging during breeding season are forcing them to abandon their nests, which is thought to be a significant factor in a bird already having low breeding rates. This is a typical example of how human presence has pushed a species to the brink of extinction.
Great Crested Newt
The Great Crested Newt is a legally protected species in the UK, but the biggest threat to it is the destruction of its breeding grounds. These birds rely heavily on clean, undisturbed ponds and wetlands to lay their eggs. As agricultural land has expanded and urban areas have developed, these small water sources have dried up. They have no place to breed safely and are therefore on the verge of extinction.
Turtle Dove
The plight of the Turtle Dove is a clear example of how modern agriculture affects wildlife. Historically, these birds found food—mostly wild seeds—in fields and hedgerows. However, with the rise of intensive farming, fields are now grown in mono-crops, and pesticides are used to kill weeds, which are the turtle dove’s main food source. In addition, the removal of hedges and hedgerows has left them with fewer places to nest, making it more difficult for them to successfully raise their young.
Pine Marten
The story of the pine marten is one of both decline and hope. Once widespread throughout Britain, their numbers declined drastically due to deforestation and relentless hunting for their fur. They were pushed into small, isolated areas, particularly in the Scottish Highlands. However, their slow but steady increase, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, is evidence of dedicated conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and reintroduction programmes. It shows that with targeted action, it is possible to bring a species back from the brink.
European Eel
The survival of the European eel is one of complex challenges because it has such an elaborate life cycle. They are born in the Sargasso Sea and travel thousands of miles to spawn in Europe’s rivers and lakes before returning to the sea to breed. This incredible journey is hampered by a minefield of man-made obstacles. Dams and weirs block their passage in rivers, while water pollution makes their journey dangerous. They are also threatened by poaching and climate change, which is altering the ocean currents they depend on for their long migrations.