"The problem of fragmentation and isolation of (semi-) natural habitats throughout Europe is generally recognised. Isolation, together with the shrinkage of the area of optimal habitat, are major threats to biodiversity. They are the triggers for many direct and indirect processes with a negative impact on the viability of natural populations. This study is compiled on the basis of extensive research as well as on the consultation of a large number of specialists in the field of restoration ecology."--Publisher's description

Although Europe has a high diversity of fungi and many species are threatened, no fungal species are yet included in the appendices of the Bern Convention or the EU Habitats Directive. Conservation action has often neglected fungi due in part to past insufficient knowledge of their ecology, distribution and status. This report, which contains very detailed information on 33 species threatened in Europe, was originally prepared as a list of candidate species for protection at the European level. They certainly deserve the attention of conservation agencies

The European bison, the largest herbivore in Europe, was once widely distributed throughout western, central and south-eastern Europe. But by the end of the 19th century there were only two populations left in the the wild, this drastic decline caused by competition for food from deer, cattle grazing in forests, wars and heavy poaching. By 1945 there were only 54 animals with proven pedigrees in zoos, descended from 12 ancestor animals (of which a mere two are dominant genetically). Moves to restore the wild population began in the 1920s, and the restitution has successfully maintained the breed's purity. In 2000, there were nearly 2900 bison registered by the European Bison Pedigree Book, existing in 191 enclosed and 31 free-roaming herds. Despite this success, there remain concerns over the loss of genetic variability - the inbreeding affects life span, viability of young animals, and the interval between calving and skeletal growth - and the presence of, and susceptibility to, several diseases, including foot-and-mouth and TB. Management of the habitat and local populations of bison is necessary to maintain the optimum bison habitat. It remains an endangered species, and its full recovery and re-naturalisation in the wild cannot be guaranteed.

Invertebrate animals make up the greater part of the world's biological diversity and are present in all habitats, where they perform essential ecological functions. Their survival is fundamental to the maintenance of life as we know it. Large numbers of invertebrate species are under severe threat of extinction in Europe, or are already extinct due to the extreme transformations that European habitats have suffered due to human activities. The European Strategy for the conservation of invertebrates, adopted by the Council of Europe (Bern Convention) in 2006, addresses the loss of invertebrate biodiversity and promotes their conservation and the services they provide in terrestrial and non-marine aquatic environments. The Strategy offers appropriate guidance to European governments, other decision-makers, land managers, scientists and teachers that have potential influence on invertebrate conservation.

The introduction of alien species can upset ecosystems and have been identified as the second main cause of species extinction at a global level after habitat loss or deterioration. This publication sets out a European strategy to address this issue, developed in the framework of the Bern Convention and in line with guidelines adopted in 2002 on biological diversity. This strategy seeks to encourage the implementation of co-ordinated measures in all European states which are designed to prevent or minimise adverse impacts of non-native species on native biological diversity.

On title page: Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern Convention)

The Council of Europe's Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, or "Bern Convention", came into force on 1 June 1982. The aim of the Bern Convention is to conserve biodiversity through a regional pan-European framework extended to include the Mediterranean regions and Africa. This document contains the texts adopted between 2001 and 2004 by the Standing Committee, a body composed of representatives of the Contracting Parties, whose meetings are attended also by observers. The Standing Committee is responsible for following the application of the Convention and can make recommendations to the Contracting Parties concerning measures to be taken for its implementation.