4:44pm Monday 15th March 2010
By Nazia Parveen
EXPERTS have revealed eight species that have become extinct — with a warning that East Lancashire's natural heritage is being 'destroyed'.
The species that disappeared from the North West during the past two centuries include the White-tailed eagle and the Liverwort, a flat leaf plant which grows near water.
Natural England, the independent public body which aims to protect and improve the natural environment, has revealed the situation in a new report.
It says nearly 500 animals, birds, insects and plants have become extinct across the country.
East Lancashire nature expert Ron Freethy, said that we were destroying our heritage.
He said many more species were under threat of extinction, including a number of moorland birds such as the Hen Harrier, Lapwing, Redshank and Reed Bunting.
Mr Freethy said: “Due to the loss of habitat, atmospheric pollutions and the increase in windfarms we are seeing an increasing number of Lancashire birds under threat.
“It would be a shame if these moorland birds went the same way as the white-tailed eagle because it will never return to Lancashire now as there is too much urban growth and it is a large bird of prey which needs a large area to hunt.”
Mr Freethy said action needed to be taken to protect rare species.
He said: “We should not let it get to the stage where we have countryside where we can no longer hear birdsong or see beautiful wildlife.
“We are in danger of totalling destroying our heritage which is a shame because it is just as important as a historic monument or cathedral.”
Chief executive of Natural England Dr Helen Phillips said the rate of extinctions was dramatic.
She said: "Species have their own intrinsic value, and to over-exploit or damage our environment in ways that lead to their loss is simply wrong and a failure in our duty of care for nature.”
A spokesperson for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust urged people to get involved in helping threatened species by joining groups and getting in touch with MPs.
He said: "At home, there are many simple things you can do to look after your local wildlife, by turning your garden into a paradise for all kinds of amazing birds, mammals and insects, from creating suitable habitat by creating a compost pile or simply by not clearing rotting vegetation away too soon."
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