The viral screaming frog is now in danger of extinction

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which monitors the status of the world’s flora and fauna, warns that species adapted to harsh environments, such as the desert rain frog, are coming under pressure as the planet’s extinction accelerates.

And the tiny snail, which is only found around superheated springs on the ocean floor, is at increased risk. It is now listed in critical condition.

Conservationists say this and other rare marine snails, limpets, mussels and clams could be threatened by plans to extract valuable minerals from the deep sea.

Although large-scale mining has yet to begin, companies and governments are seeking international laws that pave the way for extraction.

Governments and mining companies are increasingly interested in mining the deep ocean for minerals needed for green technologies such as batteries.

Proponents say deep-sea drilling is less damaging to the environment than land-based mining, but many scientists warn it could harm fragile and poorly understood marine ecosystems and are calling for a pause until more research is done.

Warning signs are not limited to animals.

Among them is the Wilmot Whitebeam, a rare tree found only in the Avon Gorge near Bristol, with fewer than 50 individuals now in the wild.

Plant conservation charity Plant Conservation International says Emily Beach is being decimated by railways and an unknown disease.

“I think a lot of people don’t know about the real treasures of the UK that are hiding in plain sight,” she said.