04/01/2005

Rare wildlife species to get extra protection

A number of rare wildlife species are to receive additional protection when they are added to a proposed list of protected animals and plants.

Among the list of rare species that the Government has recommended to be added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are the water vole, the short-snouted and spiny seahorses and two varities of burnet moth.

A newly-published consultation paper lists 11 species put forward by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as a result of their fourth Quinquennial Review of the 1981 Act for protecting animal and plant species.

Speaking at the launch of the consultation paper, Nature Conservation Minister, Ben Bradshaw, said: "The water vole's habitat is currently listed but the water vole itself is not. Our proposals will protect this rare animal from persecution and help prevent further population losses. We are recommending similar protection for other species as part of the Government's continuing commitment to conserve native wildlife where its survival is at serious risk from human activity."

Mr Bradshaw added: "This consultation will allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on our proposals and we would particularly welcome responses from the fishing and food industries which may be affected by listing of the angel shark, four species of skate and the roman snail."

Full details of this consultation are available from the Department's website.

(KMcA/SP)

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