Species at Risk

HC Deb 11 July 1994 vol 246 c474W

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many species of(a) animal and (b) plant, which are native to the United Kingdom, were considered to be at risk in (a) 1964, (b) 1973, (c) 1983 and (d) 1993; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, 39 British species or families of animal and 62 species of plant were protected in 1983, reflecting the Government's concern for those species at risk. In 1993, 94 species of animals were protected, and 168 species of plant. All wild birds in Britain are protected under the Act.

In Northern Ireland, all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, with 17 vulnerable species of animal and 55 species of plant.

Data on species at risk for 1964 and 1973 are not readily available.

The lists of protected species may be reviewed and amended in responses to species' changing conservation status.