Poland: Endangered Species

On the list of the critically endangered species in Poland, there are only 6 which have the largest concern. They are named "European" species, which suggests that they are not native to Poland only, but Central Europe possibly.

Slender-billed Curlew
Their largest obstacle in survival is the loss of their habitat due to wintering grounds in the Mediterranean. However, there are still some forest bogs which would be suitable for breeding, in Siberia. They are thought to be still present in secured forests - however their competition in the wildlife may have treated them to become extinct as well. Another issue which they face, is the pollution of their habitats, which are not only forests but also the marine coastal areas, which are affected by oil spills.




European Mink

The European Mink is regionally extinct in Poland, but can still be found in Russia, Ukraine, France, Romania and Spain. In the past, this species was used for fur trade, specifically during the 20th century. The main cause for their decreasing population is the loss of their habitat and over exploitation, but also due to the introduction of a foreign species - the American Mink. The American mink was introduced to the USSR in the mid-20th century, for breeding and hunting for fur trade. No one payed attention to the fact that they were two different species, and due to competition and misunderstanding, the European Mink was being overexploited, therefore is now critically threatened.