Iconic and threatened English species are being ‘adopted’ by MPs, who are acting as ‘Species Champions’ to help improve the species’ future. From the smooth snake to the nightingale, 20 English species currently facing significant threats have been identified and put up for adoption.
The initiative was launched by a coalition of seven nature NGOs - RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Buglife, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Plantlife and Bat Conservation Trust.
Daniel Zeichner MP said:“Where would we be without bees? As far as important species go, they are top of the list. I am passionate about protecting our precious pollinator species from decline who are facing threats from loss of habitat and the Government’s opposition to the European ban on neonicotinoids.”
The Ruderal bumblebee is one of the UK’s largest bumblebee species and the queens can stand out by their sheer size. Queens, workers and males have similar banding, a yellow-black-yellow thorax, a yellow band at the base of the abdomen, and a pure white tail.
Gill Perkins, Conservation Manager for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust said: “Each of the species being championed symbolises the importance of diversity in maximising ecological resilience to environmental change and sadly they are also under threat. This is an opportunity for our generation of politicians to develop their collective expertise to address the challenges facing the fauna and flora of our country. Bumblebees in particular need representative champions, to help achieve the aims of the National Pollinator strategy. We hope that other MP’s will sign up in the coming months to support other charismatic and vital bumblebees.”
Species Champions will be able to learn first-hand about their species from wildlife NGOs and shown how we can help species populations recover. It is hoped the work will provide a brighter future for the species, spread that knowledge throughout the political community and shape policy to improve its future.
Image credit: Matt Adam Williams.
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