The European Red List shows that a considerable portion of Europe’s native fauna and flora, finding that a large proportion of molluscs, freshwater fish and vascular plants now fall into the threatened category. The List also highlights that many species protected under the EU Habitats Directive and included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas now have an improved chance of survival.

According to the European Red List, a part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Europe's natural heritage is showing an alarming decline. The list, which assessed a considerable portion of Europe’s native fauna and flora, in particular it evaluated 6000 species, reveals that 44% of all freshwater molluscs, 37% of freshwater fish, 23% of amphibians, 20% of a selection of terrestrial molluscs, 19% of reptiles, 15% of mammals and of dragonflies, 13% of birds, 11% of a selection of saproxylic beetles, 9% of butterflies, and 467 species of vascular plant species are now under threat.

The most threatened group assessed so far is the Freshwater molluscs. Spengler’s Freshwater Mussel (Margaritifera auricularia), once widespread, is now restricted to a handful of rivers in France and Spain. Currently listed as Critically Endangered, it was considered to be nearly extinct in the 1980s. The species is one of two for which a European-level Action Plan was designed, and there are ongoing conservation programmes which allow hope for its future.

On the other hand, the assessment highlights the success of well-designed conservation measures. Many species protected under the EU Habitats Directive and included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas now have an improved chance of survival. Recently the Natura 2000 network has been extended in 18,800 square kilometres. Additionally, the control of invasive species such as plants, goats and rats for example has benefited the majority of threatened land snails in Madeira over the past 10 years.