Endangered British Animals

The human progress has caused habitat loss to the endangered animals. The endangered British animals are a victim of these development works, and are threatened for their survival. Nature has also played its role in their endangerment. Here, we discuss about some endangered British animals:

Red Squirrel: This native species of Great Britain, found throughout Eurasia, are only 140,000 in numbers left. Majority of them are found in Scotland. Modern developments and the loss of their natural habitat have made them endangered British animals.

Introduction of North American Gray Squirrel in the parts of Europe in the nineteenth century has further endangered their existence. The North American Gray Squirrels are inherent possessors of a disease known as Para poxvirus. It has no ill effect on their health, but the red squirrels are deadly threatened by this virus. They are now included in the Britain's list of endangered animals.

Hazel Dormouse: They are one of Britain's smallest mammals, and have an average measurement of only 2-3 inches. They are the only surviving species of the Muscardinus family. This endangered animal is a nocturnal creature, which spends much of its time high up in the branches of trees looking for nuts, fruits, or insects.

During winter, they hibernate in ground level nests whereas in summer they go into a semi-hibernation called torpor, lasting for short periods. By going into hibernation they conserve energy to face the scarcity of food.

Hazel Dormice are facing habitat loss due to deforestation and industrial development. Their number has reduced considerably and is included in the Britain's list of endangered and protected species. It makes illegal to kill, trap, and sell this endangered British animal.

Greater Horseshoe Bat: They are named after their horseshoe-shaped nose. They are a native of central and southern Europe. This endangered animal is facing habitat loss due to intensive farming and extensive use of insecticides. The use of insecticides on large-scale has significantly reduced the insect population, which is one of the main sources of food for this endangered animal. They are included in the English Nature's Species Recovery Program.

The Corncrake: They are included in the United Kingdom's red list of birds, and are considered for high conservation concern. Mowing is the biggest threat for them because sixty percent of their chicks are killed when fields are mowed. The recent conservation effort for this endangered animal has shown recovery in their numbers.

Scottish Wildcat: They are found in the highlands of Scotland, and only 400 of them are believed to be alive. They are found to mate with their domestic cousins instead of the wild variety, which has caused their endangerment. Moreover, hunting of wildcats for their fur and the pre-First world war perception of them to be a vermin has added to their endangerment.

Marsh Fritillary: This endangered animal is a species of butterfly. It is endangered due to the loss of food-stuff for the caterpillars. The devil's bit scabious, which grows in unfertilized flower-rich pastures, is the food for the caterpillars. They have become scarce across Europe due to intensive farming practices. It is believed that only 400 of their colonies are left.