Europe's Endangered Animals

Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and other types of creatures of the European continent are listed as endangered.
The European Commission has warned that not enough is being done to protect the thousands of vulnerable species across the continent. A recent report on more than 1,180 species, more than 200 types of habitat and more than 25 European Union countries concludes areas that are protected are at risk as well as the species they support.

Mammals

Among the mammals listed as endangered in Europe is the Apennine Chamois of Italy. It is a goat-like animal with hook-shaped horns. Also, the Argali, the world's largest sheep, has part of its range in Europe and has been listed as endangered since 1976.
The Asiatic Lion, whose range includes Turkey, is listed among endangered mammals, along with the Brown Bear of Italy.
The Saiga Antelope, whose range includes Russia, has been listed as endangered since 1976. Today, less than 50,000 are believed to remain in the wild.
The Stellar Sea-Lion is among the largest of seals and has been listed as endangered since 1990.
Also included are the Azorean Bat, Barbary Macaque, Bavarian Pine Vole, Canarian Shrew, Canary Big-eared Bat, Caspian Seal, Dahl's Jird, European Mink, Hoffman Pika, Kazbeg Birch Mouse, Madeira Pipistrelle, Mongolian Marmot, Pyrenean Ibex, Red Deer, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Right Whale, Saimaa Ringed Seal, Sandy Mole Rat, Sea Otter, Spanish Lynx, Urial and West Caucasian Tur.

 

Birds

Among birds listed as endangered in Europe are the Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Peregrine Falcon and Japanese Crested Ibis.
The Egyptian Vulture, also known as Pharaoh's Chicken, was first listed as endangered in 2008. Between 10,000 and 100,000 individuals are thought to exist in the world with numbers declining due to poison in the food chain, power line electrocutions and disease.
The Eurasian Peregrine Falcon was first listed in 1976, and the Japanese Crested Ibis was first added in 1970.
Among other endangered birds in Europe are the Audouin's Gull, Azores Bullfinch, Azores Wood Pigeon, Baer's Pochard, Balearic Shearwater, Black-faced Spoonbill, Blakiston's Fish-owl, Canarian Black Oystercatcher, Hooded Crane, Short-tailed Albatross and White-headed Duck.

 

Reptiles/Amphibians

 

Among endangered reptiles in Europe is the Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizard of the Canary Islands. First listed in 1984, the Roque Chico de Salmor is a subspecies of the El Hierro giant lizard, which is thought to be extinct. There is a captive breeding program for the lizards, and they are protected nationally and internationally.
Also listed as endangered are several other species of lizards, several species of vipers, the Euphrates Softshell Turtle and Loggerhead Sea Turtle.
In addition to reptiles, several frogs and salamanders, as well as the Montseny Brook Newt, show up on the lists of endangered species in Europe.

 

 

Insects

The Corsican Swallowtail, a butterfly found on the Corsica and Sardinia islands, was first listed in 1993. It is a black and yellow butterfly with a wingspan up to 3 inches.
While listed as endangered, there are few efforts to protect the butterfly populations.
Also included in the lists of insects are the Agriades zullichi of Spain, the Higgin's Anamalous Blue of Italy and the Madeira Brimstone butterfly of Portugal.

 

 

Fish

The Ala Balik, also known as the Flathead Trout, is found in the Zamanti and Seyhan Rivers of Turkey. It was first listed as endangered in 1970.
While populations are abundant, illegal net fishing threatens its survival.
In addition to the Ala Balik, there are many other species of fish listed as endangered in Europe. These include the Adriatic Salmon, Almiri Toothcarp, Common Sawfish and European Eel.

References:

http://www.ehow.com/about_5261976_europes-endangered-animals.html#ixzz28EvS41xY

http://hunch.com/item/hn_2666423/apennine-chamois/

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/35064_europes-beautiful-but-endangered-species

http://approachingaro.org/endangered-species

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/punctuated-equilibrium/2011/jul/11/1

http://www.pic2fly.com/Endangered+Animals+in+Europe.html

http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/species_action_plans/europe/index.html

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/06sCQg86YVs/Bristol+Zoo+Becomes+First+Europe+Breed+Endangered/aWjGEJYPWPz