The abundance of species in Scotland is falling at a faster rate than the UK as a whole, according to a detailed study, 'The State of Nature 2019 Scotland' which found that average numbers across 352 species of mammals, birds, butterflies and moths had fallen 24% since 1994. Centuries of habitat loss through development and a rapid increase in climate change are being blamed.
It found that of the 6,413 species known to exist, 11% have been classified as threatened with extinction in Scotland. Overall, 49% of Scottish species have decreased in number and 28% have increased.
Bird numbers are broadly stable but seabirds in particular are continuing to substantially decline. Kittiwake populations have fallen by 72% since 1986 while Arctic Skua numbers have dropped 77%.
Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said nature was being lost across Scotland "at a deeply concerning rate".
Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, added: "To reverse the loss of biodiversity and address climate change it is vital that we increase our investment in nature.
"This means taking urgent, strategic action to protect and restore natural habitats on land and sea, green our towns and cities, and transform our relationship with the natural world.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-49920899
No comments:
Post a Comment