Many endangered species in Europe are not receiving adequate levels of protection, the European Commission has warned.

According to the body, only a small proportion of the most vulnerable habitats and species are being sufficiently safeguarded.

The commission has therefore called on members of the EU to redouble their efforts to conserve the animals.

Stavros Dimas, environment commissioner at the EU, commented: "We are committed to halting the loss of biodiversity in Europe and today's report leaves no room for complacency."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said the report shows that much of our most important wildlife is still in a "perilous state".

Dr Mark Avery, director of conservation at the group, described the findings as "shocking" and urged the government to take steps to tackle this ecological problem.

He said animal habits are being threatened by a number of factors, including agriculture, development and climate change.

Dr Avery added that if action to improve the situation is taken sooner rather than later, threatened habitats and species will be more "robust" in the face of future threats.