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![]() Friday, July 16, 1999 Published at 14:02 GMT 15:02 UK ![]() ![]() Special Report ![]() Butterflies hold key to conservation ![]() Butterflies are sensitive indicators of the nation's health ![]() Leading politicians in Wales are lining up to help a campaign to save rare butterflies and moths from extinction as habitats decline. The backing of Assembly Members is the first step forward in a number of future initiatives to look at sustainable development in Wales, which is one of the most difficult briefs of the Assembly. Four rare species of moth and butterfly - Ashworth's rustic, Weaver's wave, rosy marsh moth and the Silurian - are only found in Wales and are the focus of a burgeoning partnership between the Assembly, Countryside Council for Wales and UK pressure group Butterfly Conservation. Urban sprawl The insects have been recognised as key indicators in detecting the health of the countryside, as farming practices change and urban sprawl from towns and cities encroaches on green field sites. Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones said he was delighted to see his own constituency in the forefront of plans to draw attention to the threat facing habitats and species.
"Development cannot be sustainable if it involves the loss of important species and habitats." Mr Jones has joined MP Win Griffiths in publicising the action plan initiative, which was launched at Bridgend County Council's offices and will focus on woodlands, mountainsides, grasslands and bogs. "Sensitive indicators" Dr Malcolm Smith, senior director and chief scientist for the Countryside Council for Wales, said moths and butterflies were in the front line for detecting environmental changes. "They are sensitive indicators of the health of our countryside will, in turn, bring about a healthier environment for us all to live in and enjoy," he said. "Although we have seen enormous losses, Welsh habitats continue to support a range of important butterflies and moths." ![]() |
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