Endangered Animals in Europe

Some countries of Europe are an example of economic prosperity. Rapid advancements have brought a better living-standard for the people, but have been at the expense of the endangered animals in Europe. The European Commission is worried to protect the thousands of vulnerable species of endangered animals across the continent. Over 200 types of habitat are at risk.

Here, we discuss about some endangered animals in Europe:

Mammals

Apennine Chamois, a goat-like animal having hook-shaped horns, is found in Italy. It is listed as an endangered animal in Europe. Argali, the world's largest sheep, is listed as endangered since 1976. The Asiatic Lion, found in the European parts of Turkey, is also listed among the endangered animals.

The Saiga Antelope, found in the European parts of Russia, was first included in the list of endangered animals in 1976. It is estimated that not more than 50,000 of them are left in the wild. The Stellar sea-lion, one of the largest seals, was listed as endangered animals in 1990.

The other mammals listed as endangered animals are Azorean Bat, Barbary Macaque, Canary Big-eared Bat, Caspian Seal, European Mink, Hoffman Pika, Dahl's Jird, Mongolian Marmot, Red Deer, Sea Otter, Spanish Lynx, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Kazbeg Birch Mouse, etc.

Birds

The Egyptian Vulture, also known as Pharaoh's chicken, was included in the list of endangered animals in 2008. It is believed that 10,000 to 100,000 of them are alive in the wild. They are endangered due to power-line electrocutions, poison in the food-chain, and diseases.

The Japanese Crested Ibis was listed as an endangered animal in 1970 whereas the Eurasian Peregrine Falcon was included in the list in 1976. The other birds listed as endangered animals are Audouin's Gull, Azores Wood Pigeon, Azores Bullfinch, Black-faced Spoonbill, Blakiston's Fish-owl, White-headed Duck, Hooded Crane, Short-tailed Albatross, etc.

Insects

The Corsican Swallowtail is a butterfly found on the Corsica and Sardinia Islands. It is a black and yellow butterfly, which was listed as an endangered animal in Europe in 1993. Agriades Zullichi of Spain, the Madeira Brimstone butterfly of Portugal, and the Higgin's Anomalous Blue of Italy are the other insects on the list of endangered animals in Europe.

Fish

The Ala Balik, also known as Flat head Trout, is found in the Zamanti and Seyhan rivers of Turkey. It was listed as endangered animals in 1970. Illegal net-fishing is a major threat to their survival. The Adriatic Salmon, Common Sawfish, Almiri Tooth carp, and the European Eel are the other fish on the endangered list.

Reptiles

Roque Chico de Salmor giant lizard, found in the Canary Islands, is a subspecies of the El Hierro giant lizard. It was included in the endangered list of animals in 1984. To restore their numbers, a captive breeding program for the lizards has been initiated. Several other species of lizards and vipers, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, the Euphrates Soft shell Sea Turtle, Montseny Brook Newt, and several species of frogs and salamanders are included in the list of endangered animals.

Therefore, the European Commission has raised a timely warning for the conservation of the endangered animals in Europe.