Scotland's Wildlife – an assessment of biodiversity in 20

4.5 Woodland and upland
Implications of climate change for wildlife include: changing numbers and distribution of
native species; loss of synchrony between predators and prey (such as invertebrate
availability to feed nestlings in spring); changes in habitat quality, quantity and
availability; pests and disease; and competition from invasive non-native species.
Warming is already becoming evident in the earlier timing of spring events, such as bud
burst, bird migration and egg laying. Northward shifts in ranges in plants and animals is
also becoming apparent. Species with a predominantly southern distribution, such as
the nuthatch (Sitta europaea) and comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) are spreading
into southern Scotland. Range shifts up hillsides can also be expected, perhaps
displacing plants and animals that are adapted to sub-arctic conditions on the high tops.
Reduced snow cover in winter affects the regulation of water supply and snow-bed
vegetation in the uplands. The alpine saxifrage (Saxifraga nivalis) is currently confined
to locations above 837m in Scotland and appears extremely vulnerable to any future
temperature rise. Species that are unable to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
may disappear from Scotland.
A review of phenological records in Scotland in 2006 illustrated changes in events such
as the arrival and departure of migratory birds; egg laying among birds and amphibians;
the appearance of aphids, moths and butterflies; the flowering of plants; and marine
plankton blooms (N4 – The Timing of Seasonal Events Indicator).
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