16.7% of species are threatened with extinction in France, according to a new report

The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates 2,903 species are threatened with extinction in France. She calls for “redoubled efforts” to protect fauna and flora.

Such an assessment had not been carried out for three years in France. Thursday February 29, the French committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published its new assessment of the red list of threatened species, produced with the French Biodiversity Office and the National History Museum natural. They establish that of the 17,367 species studied in France, 2,903 are threatened with extinction. Or 16.7%. The document also warns of the already recorded disappearance of 189 species.

“All groups of species are affected by the biodiversity crisis in France, plants like animals, on land and at sea, emblematic species like others much less known”notes Florian Kirchner, head of the Species program of the French committee of the IUCN, interviewed by franceinfo.

In detail, nesting birds are particularly threatened, with 32% of species concerned. In the overseas territories, certain families of species are also in a very alarming state: 43% of Mayotte’s vascular flora species could disappear.

“The situation has deteriorated”

And the pressures on these species are of human origin: “degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats through development and urbanization, poaching and overexploitation of species, introduction of species that may prove invasive, pollution of water and soil by chemicals and waste and finally the growing pressure of change climatic”Florian Kirchner list.

In sixteen years of studies on the wild fauna and flora of France, “the situation has deteriorated in France”warns Florian Kirchner again. “The pressures are always stronger and more intense than all the actions put in place to try to protect them”he laments.

The assessment, however, highlights “good news”thanks in particular to backup strategies. “This is the case for the otter, the Alpine ibex or the bearded vulture”quotes the head of the IUCN, who invites “redouble efforts to preserve biodiversity”.