More than 80 animal species are at risk of extinction due to the war — Ministry of Economy
The Ministry of Economy reported that more than 80 animal species are at risk of extinction due to Russia’s armed aggression. Among them are large mammals, birds, and other wildlife, whose populations continue to decline due to hostilities and the destruction of ecosystems.
This was reportedby the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture in response to a request from hromadske.
Due to hostilities, occupation, or the destruction of ecosystems, approximately 600 animal species and 750 plant and fungus species are at risk. Specifically, the European bison, brown bear, Eurasian lynx, black stork, and steppe eagle are threatened with extinction.
The threat to marine mammals is also growing. According to the Ministry, dolphin deaths continue to be recorded in the occupied territories. This, they say, is linked to the activity of Russian military ships entering the sea to shell regions of Ukraine.
“Biodiversity losses continue to rise as hostilities persist. It will only be possible to fully assess the damage inflicted on wildlife after hostilities end, contaminated areas are surveyed and cleared of mines, and relevant studies are conducted,” the Ministry notes.
Animal rights activists from UAnimals claimed that at least 20% of Ukraine’s protected areas are suffering from the war, and millions of animals have already died. Ten national nature parks, eight nature reserves, and two biosphere reserves are occupied; in some, the Russians are allowing the hunting and shooting of wild animals that were previously protected.
UAnimals is calling for businesses to be allowed to let animals inside their premises due to the cold weather.
A petition on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine calling for a ban on keeping dogs on chains in the country garnered only 115 votes and did not reach the minimum number required for consideration.
Soldiers from the 14th Brigade evacuateda cat and a dog from the front lines using a drone.
