Global News - August 2007

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More British animals get government protection

Wed 29 August 2007 12:30 UK — Europe

Previously common animals and birds - like the hedgehog and house sparrow - have been included in an official list of species and habitats in the UK which need protection.

The government's new Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has identified a total of 1,149 species and 65 habitats in the country which are in need of conservation and greater protection.

When BAP was launched a decade ago, just 577 species were included.

However, the wildlife experts said that some of the increases were due to more research, rather than a greater threat to the environment in the country.

Indeed, several species, like the ladybird spider - have greatly benefited from being including on earlier BAP lists.

Minister for biodiversity Joan Ruddock commented: "Conserving biodiversity is essential if we are to pass on a healthy environment to the next generation.

"The new list will help us to target our resources and efforts where they are needed, and demonstrates our commitment to publish new priorities, targets and plans for halting biodiversity loss by 2010.

"Our climate is changing and it is therefore more important than ever that our conservation efforts help our important wildlife habitats to adapt and increase their chances of survival."

Other animals that feature on this year's BAP list include grass snakes, garden tiger moths, otters, bottlenose dolphins and red squirrels.

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