will highlight the distressing impact
that humanity is having on the natural world.
It states that species are being lost at the
fastest ever rate - mainly driven by the changing use of land. The study analyses the impacts that the changing use of land is having on nature. Forest
clearing for agriculture (fuelled by increased consumption of animal products), has driven many native species from their ancient homes. Overfishing has caused
the decimation of fish stocks in most parts of the world.
The report warns that the speed of loss is
likely to increase in the coming decades, pushing vast numbers of species
towards extinction.
While the demise of species, resulting from deforestation and land
clearing in developing countries is well documented in the report, the
threat to nature is just as significant in richer countries.
Friends of the Earth has published a list below of some of the
most threatened species in the UK and Europe.
Skylark: Well known for its flight pattern,
the skylark has declined by 50% over the past 40 years across Europe, mainly
due to changes in farming practices that have resulted in the loss of nesting
sites and food sources.
Small Blue Butterfly: This
has declined in the most parts of the UK, with numbers down 38% since the
1970s.
Bees and hoverflies:
Recent studies show that around one third of the 353 wild bee and hoverfly
species in the UK are in decline. Factors include habitat loss, climate change,
pesticides and disease.
Red Squirrels, wildcats and
long-eared bats: All facing severe threats to their survival from a number
of sources, including invasive species, road deaths and the use of pesticides.
Hedgehogs: Almost
half of rural hedgehogs in the UK and a third in urban areas have been lost. The
reasons are not fully understood but are likely to include the loss of key
habitat features such as hedges.
Wild bee species are in decline Half of rural hedgehogs have been lost
Skylarks
have declined by 50% Wild cats are now a rare sight in the UK
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