A COMPREHENSIVE survey of Worcestershire's wildlife has revealed an alarming decline in the populations of many species.

The survey, conducted by West Midlands Regional Biodiversity Partnership, is the first to look at animal numbers across the region.

It highlights the predicament of the noble chafer, an endangered species of beetle first recorded in south Worcestershire.

Its larvae live in decaying ancient fruit trees but its habitat has been drastically reduced over recent years.

The figures also show that while some animals are prospering, such as otters and buzzards, others, such as freshwater crayfish and water voles, have virtually disappeared from the Malvern Hills area and are in decline everywhere else.

Harry Green, vice-president of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: "Hopefully, this survey will mean we can now start taking some affirmative action.

"There is good news that buzzards are doing very well and spreading across the county, and otters have also benefited from a drop in freshwater pollution levels.

"But water voles have suffered a 95 per cent population drop due to intensive river and stream management and predation from escaped mink.

"Freshwater crayfish, which were once found in the streams running down from the Malvern Hills, have now disappeared completely, thanks to a disease brought in by the introduction of foreign crayfish."