Third of Scottish flora and fauna ‘in poor condition’

MORE than a third of Scotland’s wildlife and landscape is in a poor shape as climate change and overgrazing takes its toll, say experts.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) describes the diversity of the country’s biological and geological natural features as a ‘rich and valued natural resource’.

But the body issued its warning after assessing 5,315 habitats, wildlife populations and geological features at protected sites. Its report, published yesterday, shows that as of March 31, 34.6 per cent were in an ‘unfavourable’ condition, with a further 13.3 per cent said to be ‘recovering’.

Dragonflies, marine habitats and the ‘earth science’ category – which includes landforms, fossil beds and caves – were found to have the highest proportion of features in favourable or recovering condition, while the biggest improvements were noted in vascular plants such as ferns as well as heath and upland habitats.

Those suffering the most are woodlands and birds and marine mammals, the latter due to a decline in harbour seal numbers.

Global factors such as climate change are thought to be a factor in some areas. Invasive

plants such as Japanese knotweed were highlighted as the biggest problem, at 21 per cent of all negative pressures, followed by overgrazing (17.8 per cent) andwater management (9 per cent).

SNH spokesman Sally Thomas said: ‘There remain significant pressures on our nature sites… we’re working with partners, farmers and landowners to help tackle these challenges.’