Biodiversity study shows how nation’s wildlife is faring – and all is not rosy with effects of climate change increasing
The latest official figures on biodiversity in Scotland have been released, showing how plants, animals, birds, fish and insects are faring across the country.
The new report, from Nature scot, is the most comprehensive indicator for abundanceand occupancy of species on land and in the sea to date.
It covers the 22-year period from 1994 to 2016. Overall, the figures show a picture of continuing long-term declines, although there have been some winners as well as losers.
Data shows marine life, including sea birds, has crashed by 36 per cent over the past two decades, while terrestrial species have fallen by 31 per cent.
Conversely, the places where species are found on land have increased by 24 per cent over the same period, thought to be due to warming temperatures allowing northward spread.
Results from the most recent year’s surveys are reported as ‘stable’ overall, showing no significant changes.
Analysis of the findings identifies use of land and sea,pollution, invasive species, conserva tion efforts and climate change as the key factors affectingbio diversity in scotland–positively in some cases.
The report states: “Climate change is a significant and growing threat to biodiversity globally, and its impact is being increasingly detected in Scotland and its seas.
“The effects are many, and varied, with a mixed impact in biodiversity; presently, at least, many species are benefiting.
“For example, species are shifting ranges northwards, through Scotland, with consequent increases in abundance and range for birds such as nuthatches and butterflies including ringlets. A trend towards mild er winters may have resultedin improved survival for bird species such as goldfinches. for many species, the influence of climate change may be serving to soften the impact of land-use changes and other adverse environmental changes.
“However, species with their southern range limits inScotland, and those associated with cold montane habitats where, for example, duration of snow-lie is decreasing, are likely to undergo range contraction and possibly even extinction from Scotland. Further threats arise from increased frequency and severity of storms and other extreme weather events, and the impact of sea-level rise on vulnerable coastal habitats .”