Believe it or not, huge numbers of British wildlife are in danger. Certain species are declining faster than ever before, earning them special protected status. Here, we’ll run through some of the most endangered species in the UK and what can be done to stop their decline.
What Species Are Protected By Law?
The following species are under protection and considered to be endangered animals within the UK:
Badgers
Badger extinction is a severe concern for Badger Trust which reports that over 200,000 badgers are killed in the UK every year.
It’s a significant problem, with badger life most under threat from human activities. New construction projects are ruining habitats while some are being hunted for sport.
In the UK, there are two laws in place that protect badgers and are designed to stop them from being killed or disrupted. To sustain the badger population we must avoid tampering with their setts and disturbing these peaceful creatures. Our Badger Surveys can help by identifying any potential impacts your upcoming project can have on the local badger community.
Bats
Bats are nocturnal mammals that like to roost in various locations around the UK. There is a large bat population, but these species have been endangered for many years. Because bats like to roost in buildings or trees, they’re usually flushed out or their roosting sites are destroyed.
The good news is that bat numbers are on the up. The Bat Conservation Trust reports that 11 of the UK’s 17 breeding bat species are stable or slowly recovering. Part of this success is down to services like our Bat Surveys ensuring roosts and local flora aren’t destroyed or tampered with, allowing bats to thrive.
Birds
In 2021, an updated Red List for birds showed 70 species were in trouble. This list has almost doubled in the last 25 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Some of the endangered birds include:
- Starlings
- Swifts
- Skylark
- House Martin
- Greenfinch
Again, there are laws protecting birds, though this hasn’t stopped their decline. Humans are the biggest reason for bird populations dwindling, particularly due to new construction. That’s why it’s more important than ever to obtain a Bird Survey before beginning any project.
Dormouse
The hazel dormouse is a tiny rodent that tends to awaken at night and lives in wooded habitats. Unfortunately, their homes are being destroyed as companies and people destroy green areas to make way for roads and new housing developments or home extensions.
This animal is protected under two UK laws, so you can face prosecution if your project directly affects them or their habitat. Our Dormouse Surveys are designed to help you know if you’re negatively affecting these small mice and how you can preserve where they live.
Reptiles
The UK is home to six reptile species, and all of them are declining. Rising temperatures burning away their habitats makes it harder for them to survive. Some of the most harshly affected reptiles are:
- Adders
- Sand lizards
- Smooth snakes
- Grass snakes
All reptiles are protected under UK and EU laws, but this hasn’t stopped urban development from causing serious problems. We offer detailed Reptile Surveys that are putting a stop to things and trying to save UK reptiles. We’ll help you find any reptile species on site and offer a mitigation strategy to stop them from being harmed.
Water Voles
We have many voles in the UK, but water voles are the largest and most in danger. Populations have dropped by 97% in the last 50 years – which is one of the biggest declines of any British mammal.
Endangered water voles are slowly being reintroduced to parts of the UK, but they suffer greatly from developments and construction work. That’s why our team provides Water Vole Surveys to track the impact of projects on the local biodiversity, ensuring it doesn’t cause water voles to leave their homes and die out.
Otters
Otters are found throughout the UK and represent a wonderful success story in conservation. They were severely endangered in the 1950s, but populations have risen. Still, these animals are under protection by UK laws, so you must be aware of them when undergoing any development work or projects that could impact the population.
We hope to continue the great otter revival with Otter Surveys designed to protect these critters. We’ll carry out multiple surveys throughout the year to track otter activity in your area and ensure they’re given a chance to thrive.
Great Crested Newts
Finally, great crested newts are highly threatened in the UK right now. Despite being protected by UK laws, their habitats are seriously under threat. The biggest concern is the condition of ponds or waterways these newts like to live in. Water quality is being ruined thanks to human involvement, site waste, etc.
If you’re undergoing a project, we strongly advise getting a Great Crested Newt Survey just to check that you aren’t doing things that might impact the population. We’ll work with you to check if newts are nearby and to implement strategies that help them.
During our ecology surveys, we work closely with companies before they begin construction projects or conduct any work that can damage the natural habitats of these animals.
It’s important that we work together to protect the endangered species on this list. If you’re in need of a protected species survey, we offer many different types. For more information, take a look at our offerings here or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help