The Focal Species, 49 in total, have been chosen bacause they are species of concern for the County. Many of these are already SBAP Species (34 of the 49 focals) and are profiled in the SBAP. Others are listed because they are in decline, under threat or have such a small population that they are endangered for the county.

It should be noted that all of the species in the SBAP are listed as Focal Species in the Audit (except for solitary bees and wasps and fungi).

The Focal Species are often representative of habitats that are also under threat for the county. Some species are susceptible to subtle changes in their habitat and have particular niches. These species are quite often the first to disappear or reduce dramatically in numbers after habitat changes have been incurred.

National law in particular the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects many of these species and some are also recognised by European and International legislation.

The species that were selected were also chosen because there is a substantial amount of information about them already that can be published. It would prove much more difficult to write about some of the other intended species at the present moment as there is very little detail about them.

There are also several species that are close to joining the 49 already focused on; there is sufficient room and scope within the audit to extend the list in future Editions if it proves useful and beneficial.