Call for action over wildlife

Song thrush numbers are in decline

The plight of some endangered species in the UK has been improved by recent government policy but more needs to be done, say conservationists.

Six leading conservation groups have produced a comprehensive report on Britain's endangered wildlife species. It considers the effectiveness of policies designed to protect the animals' numbers.

The interests of big business are being put before those of the public and of better wildlife protection

Matt Phillips, Friends of the Earth

The report indicates that although the populations of some species have increased in recent years, others have declined.

It calls for the government to increase the funding of conservation programmes, and ensure that all its departments act in unison to protect wildlife.

The report, by groups including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Friends of the Earth, charts the rise and fall in numbers of some of Britain's endangered wildlife species.

Song thrushes

It looks at the effect of policies such as the Biodiversity Action Plan, set up by the then Conservative Government after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The otter is making a comeback

Among its successes are birds such as the bittern and the stone curlew, which have benefited from the management of their habitat areas. Otter numbers are also increasing.

On the down side, the population of song thrushes continues to decline.

The report includes a 10-point plan, which covers issues such as agriculture, planning and the protection of habitats.

It stresses that despite some hopeful signs, the battle to preserve endangered species must continue.

'Sea change'

Matt Phillips, from Friends of the Earth, agrees there has been progress, but says further action is needed.

"While certain parts of government are very active and getting more effective in protecting wildlife, there are still big parts which haven't got the message," he said.

"The result of that is that we are still seeing species in decline, we are still seeing habitats in decline, even though some good action is taking place."

He said the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and government planning and transport were still "acting against the wider public interest in ensuring that our biodiversity is properly protected".

"We are seeing instances all around the country where the interests of big business are being put before those of the public and of better wildlife protection."

He called for a "sea change" in government attitudes towards "more modern, forward-thinking attitudes which embrace the need to protect biodiversity".