CANADA: The European Union (EU) has adopted a new report that details the most comprehensive picture on the ‘State of Nature in the EU’.
The report on Wednesday revealed that almost half of the wild birds have a secure status, boosted by EU’s programs to protect endangered species.
But it also showed that some of the habitats in EU are in need of major changes as they are most affected by intensive farming.
The State of Nature in the European Union report for the years 2007-2012 found that 17% of the species, including some birds of prey, are in danger of extinction.
It also showed that some another 15 % of the birds are on the verge of being extinct or are in decline. These species includes common birds such as skylark, stated the report.
Researchers from the European Environment Agency during their assessment noted that the state of natural habitats was even more worrying and most have an unfavourable conservation status.
Furthermore, the report found that grasslands, wetlands and dune habitats were of particular concern. The main threats to them as highlighted in the report were agriculture practices, such as over-grazing, fertilization and pesticides.
The report found, the bird species that were benefitted by EU’s conservation action were bearded vultures and white-headed ducks, whose numbers have improved substantially.
According the Campaign groups, the report showed that there is a high need for vigorous EU law in order to protect the environment.
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