England’s extinction event
Detail:
It makes depressing reading. Nearly 500 animals and plants have become extinct in England, virtually all within the last two centuries. That’s more than two species every year.
The Natural England report was produced to coincide with the International Year of Biodiversity, and also reveals that nearly 1,000 native species have been given conservation priority status because of the severity of the threats facing them.
Not surprisingly, habitat loss, inappropriate management, environmental pollution and pressure from non-native species were identified as culprits.
Now being involved in the pet trade, chances are you will have a strong appreciation and love for wildlife, and a greater awareness about conservation and sustainable practices. It is the nature of the beast. In fact, it would be interesting if someone, somewhere did a study which looked at global attitudes of pet owners and non-pet owners and see if pet owners were, indeed, more environmentally conscious.
So what can retailers do to help our threatened flora and fauna? Well, funny you should ask, but the threat of non-native species is precisely where retailers can help front-line efforts, by ensuring that shoppers know what pond plants they are buying, and advising how to dispose of plants properly. The recently launched Be Plant Wise campaign – supported by OATA (the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association) – highlights five of the worst offenders currently wreaking havoc on our wildlife and waterways. Charlie Dimmock has lent her support to the campaign. For a full report read this month’s aquatic trader magazine, which will be landing on your doormat this weekend.
Fast-growing floating pennywort, New Zealand pigmyweed, water-primrose, parrot’s feather and water fern – all of which are found in garden ponds – are among those named as posing significant problems in the wild. These plants can out-compete native species, choke waterways, harm native wildlife and exacerbate flooding.
Yes, it is all about responsible retailing, however, one must never dismiss the individual efforts. After all, tiny raindrops fill the mighty reservoir.
The Natural England report was produced to coincide with the International Year of Biodiversity, and also reveals that nearly 1,000 native species have been given conservation priority status because of the severity of the threats facing them.
Not surprisingly, habitat loss, inappropriate management, environmental pollution and pressure from non-native species were identified as culprits.
Now being involved in the pet trade, chances are you will have a strong appreciation and love for wildlife, and a greater awareness about conservation and sustainable practices. It is the nature of the beast. In fact, it would be interesting if someone, somewhere did a study which looked at global attitudes of pet owners and non-pet owners and see if pet owners were, indeed, more environmentally conscious.
So what can retailers do to help our threatened flora and fauna? Well, funny you should ask, but the threat of non-native species is precisely where retailers can help front-line efforts, by ensuring that shoppers know what pond plants they are buying, and advising how to dispose of plants properly. The recently launched Be Plant Wise campaign – supported by OATA (the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association) – highlights five of the worst offenders currently wreaking havoc on our wildlife and waterways. Charlie Dimmock has lent her support to the campaign. For a full report read this month’s aquatic trader magazine, which will be landing on your doormat this weekend.
Fast-growing floating pennywort, New Zealand pigmyweed, water-primrose, parrot’s feather and water fern – all of which are found in garden ponds – are among those named as posing significant problems in the wild. These plants can out-compete native species, choke waterways, harm native wildlife and exacerbate flooding.
Yes, it is all about responsible retailing, however, one must never dismiss the individual efforts. After all, tiny raindrops fill the mighty reservoir.
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
12/03/2010
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