One third of animal and plant species in Saxony under threat

Almost a third of the animal, plant and fungal species native to Saxony are either highly endangered or even threatened with extinction. Around three percent of species are already considered extinct, according to the State Foundation for Nature and the Environment on International Biodiversity Day (May 22).

In Germany, reptiles (69 percent of species) and amphibians (50 percent) are particularly threatened. The same applies to many insect species such as ants (52 percent), bees (48 percent) and butterflies (41 percent).

Specialized species particularly affected

Species that have specialized and are dependent on rare habitats are particularly affected, according to the report. Freshwater fish, lampreys and bird species that live in intensively used agricultural landscapes, such as the lapwing or skylark, were cited as examples. "Birds in farmland have lost more than half of their population in the last 40 years."

The Landesstiftung also provided data on the global situation. According to this, of the 15 million animal and plant species that exist worldwide, around one million are threatened with extinction. It is estimated that 150 species become extinct every day.

Foundation specifically committed to preserving biodiversity

The Landesstiftung would like to continue its targeted efforts to preserve biodiversity in Bavaria. It is the owner of 41 areas of importance for nature conservation, covering a total of more than 1,400 hectares. The areas are managed in accordance with nature conservation criteria and in a way that protects species. The foundation is involved, for example, in the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel in the Vogtland region and the reintroduction of the field hamster.