Priority Species
Wales is blessed with an exceptional diversity
of habitats and distinctive species. Many of these are of European
and world-wide importance and we have a special responsibility
to ensure that they are handed on to future generations in good
condition.
Priority species healthcheck
Click on the list below to see latest status and trend
information for priority species in Wales.
Section 42 list: Habitats and species of principal importance
for conservation in Wales
In December 2007, following detailed consultation, the Section 42
list of habitats and species of principal importance for the
conservation of biodiversity in Wales was approved by the
Welsh Government.
The list contains all UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority
habitats and species known to occur in Wales in addition to species
of particular conservation significance in Wales. The production of
the list is a requirement of the Natural Environment and Rural
Communities Act 2006, and it will be used to guide and
prioritise future conservation action in Wales. It supercedes
the Section 74 list ('Going Wild in Wales 2003').
Recognition has been given to the role of several habitats new
to the list including traditional orchards and ponds. In
addition to previously listed species such as the otter, harbour
porpoise, red squirrel, and black grouse, the revised list includes
the garden tiger moth, house sparrow and grass snake.
The adoption of the Section 42 list follows a review of the UK
BAP list of priority species and habitats, which was the most
comprehensive analysis of conservation priorities ever undertaken
in the UK. The list has increased in numbers since the original
BAP list was compiled ten years ago because the review
involved a more rigorous analysis of a wider range of species and
habitats, including lesser known species. As a result, several
habitats and many additional species have been identified as
priorities. Some species are newly included
because they are in decline or under threat.
UK Minister for Biodiversity, Joan Ruddock
said:
"Conserving biodiversity is essential if we are to pass on a
healthy environment to the next generation. The new list will help
us to target our resources and efforts where they are needed, and
demonstrates our commitment to publish new priorities, targets and
plans for halting biodiversity loss by 2010."