Red squirrels and pine martens could lose protection in UK review, say experts

Adders and slow worms also among species possibly affected by changes that could help property developers

Legal protections for wildlife and plants in the UK are set for a review that could result in some important species losing their entitlement to sp ecial status, ecology experts have told the Guardian.

Adders, slow worms, water voles, mountain hares, pine martens and red squirrels are among the species experts have warned could be affected, after unexpected changes to the government's review process that will raise the bar on how rare and under threat an animal needs to be to gain legal safeguards.