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Originally Posted by Gilbert Jessop  Lost life: England's lost and threatened species. It identifies nearly 500 species of native flora and fauna which we have lost since 1800 - the number of total losses is unknown but, of course, likely to be much higher. Around a quarter of our native butterflies and over 20% of amphibia have gone. Some lost species are now globally extinct. In 2008, 943 species were identified as priorities for conservation action in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, to be joind by others which have subsequently declined to "precariously low" levels. These two categories now include 26% of all of the native plant and animal species in England. England is disappearing in front of our noses. |
While there is obvious need for concern, I wouldn't describe losses since 1800 as "England is disappearing in front of our noses". Most of the terrestrial pre 1970 losses were due to changes in agricultural practice, which prior to 1800 had remained fairly consistent for over 500 years. Post 1970 the challenge of continued agricultural intensification has been joined by the effects of climate change and the suburbanisation of rural margins, whether this amounts to England disappearing I'm not sure. Climate change is going to have to be lived with, at least in the medium term, which leaves agriculture and built development as the large 'causative' factors which can be moderated to improve conditions for wildlife. Whether there is either the interest in the general population or the political will to get to grips those 'big issues' remains to be seen. Ironically, I think that the real impetus for change will not come from English (or N.I, Welsh or Scottish) Institutions, but from the E.U, and anyone concerned about protecting UK wildlife probably needs to start thinking in more Internationalist terms.
CM