Endangered Animals in the Czech Republic
There are many animals across the European continent with declining numbers in population. Many of those have already been listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, including many animals native to the Czech Republic. While conservation efforts have been put in place for some of these creatures, it's up to us to know which animals need our help to survive as a species.
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European Eel
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The European Eel is a snake-like creature found in much of Europe, including the Czech Republic. The critically endangered fish's numbers have been declining since the mid-1900s, and researchers aren't clear exactly why, according to the IUCN Red List. However, overfishing, damn construction, parasites and climate change are some of the theories related to the decline of this animal.
Lesser White-Fronted Goose
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The Lesser White-Fronted Goose is another animal from the Czech Republic on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This bird, however, is not technically "endangered," but is listed as "vulnerable." The population of the goose, though, is steadily declining and has endured reduction in breeding in the last few years. One reason for this may be the increase in tourism and traffic where the bird usually breeds, in Russia and Norway. Climate change, water levels and higher populations of its predator (the red fox) may also play into the decreasing numbers of this serene flier.
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Saker Falcon
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The Saker Falcon is another bird on the endangered species list; this bird is categorized as "endangered." The main reason for the decline in population of this creature is the fact that the human population has grown and, thus, farming and agriculture has expanded into this animal's breeding area and migratory homes. Also, pesticides have an impact because the smaller animals these birds prey on will be effected. Conservation efforts include habitat control and captive breeding, which has helped some.
European Mink
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Although the European Mink is currently listed as "endangered" on the list, it is on the verge of moving down to "critically endangered" with the numbers dropping rapidly. Not only have the numbers dropped by over 50 percent in the last 15 years, but the habitat of this slinky animal has also shrunken by over 80 percent since the 1950s. This means that they once roamed throughout many countries in Europe and now inhabit only a small portion of the once wide-spread land. Habitat loss played a huge part in the population and habitat drop. Because they are semi-aquatic, their home must have viable water and land. Because of human population growth, that type of space has grown limited. Over-hunting in the past was also a contributing factor, as the animals were used for mink coats.
European Ground Squirrel
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The European squirrel is listed as only "vulnerable" on the threatened species list; however, its numbers are declining and have dropped around 30 percent just in the last decade. It has become extinct in some areas where it once thrived, including parts of Germany, where increased forests caused its demise. This animal lives in low grass-lands, but many areas are being developed into man-made forests or farm lands, in which the squirrels won't live. Conservation efforts include habitat reconstruction and to reintroduce the animal into areas in which it is considered extinct.
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- Photo Credit Czech Republic map. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
