Conservation charity aims to aid world’s rarest species

FROM the European eel to a psychedelic tarantula, conservationists at an environmental charity are highlighting some of the extraordinary but highly threatened wildlife they aim to help in 2026.

- Emily Beament reports

A clouded leopard A Cao vit gibbon

(Fauna & Flora Nguyen Van Truong/Fauna & Flora)

Fauna & Flora's 10 species to watch in 2026 includes extremely venomous vipers, highly prized falcon, a guitarfish which looks like it has been sewn together from two different species in a "misguided scientific experiment", and the critically endangered European eel.

Kristian Teleki, chief executive of the international charity, said time was running out to save "truly extraordinary" species, with severe pressures on nature and populations declining rapidly.

Kristian said: "The species we share our planet with are truly extraordinary. From the most peculiar of rays, to the majestic falcon, to the tulips we buy in our supermarkets each day, every plant and animal plays a unique and essential role in sustaining life on Earth - but time is running out.

"With less than five years to go until 2030, a guiding star for many global nature and climate goals, we can no longer afford to delay action to protect and restore our planet's natural wonders. The pressures facing nature are severe, and species populations are declining at an alarming rate."