Plea to safeguard nation’s endangered wildlife

CONSERVATION groups have pleaded for action to save the country’s most vulnerable wildlife following a study which shows many animals, plants and habitats are in decline.

The study, carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, examined 59 habitats and 69 plants and animals protected by the EU Habitats Directive, and found just 7% of the habitats and 39% of the species had good survival prospects.

Chief causes of damage were peat-cutting, land reclamation, construction, quarrying of sand and gravel, overgrazing or undergrazing, pollution, invasion by alien species of plants and animals, and recreational activities.