Scotland's Wildlife – an assessment of biodiversity in 20

1 Introduction
Biodiversity is the variety of life. The spectacular and varied wildlife within our iconic
landscapes, coastal areas and seas is fundamental to the livelihood and quality of life of
people in Scotland. Scotland will be the poorer if the road and rail verges and
hedgerows we travel past; the riverbanks, hills, woods and moorlands we walk through;
the estuaries, coasts and seas that inspire and invigorate us; continue to lose wildlife. A
resilient and diverse natural environment is the essential foundation for a greener, more
robust, healthier, wealthier Scotland.
Life flourishes in Scotland. From the varied and wave-swept coasts and islands, the
seas extend beyond the shallow waters of the continental shelf and into enigmatic deep
waters where corals are found. Whales, dolphins and seals; an abundance of fish,
seabirds and other marine wildlife; are integral to Scotland’s character. The lochs and
rivers of Scotland – many renowned for Atlantic salmon and sea trout; the woodlands,
moorlands and mountains – home to grouse, deer and the golden eagle; are among the
finest in Europe.
Scotland’s wildlife is diverse and stunning. But that is not to say that all of it is as secure
or as abundant as it might be. The resilience of the natural world – and ecosystem
services such as climate regulation, the pollination of flowering plants and the provision
of fresh water – can not be taken for granted. Globally, biodiversity is being lost at an
increasing rate. European Union (EU) Heads of State or Government undertook in 2001
to halt the decline of biodiversity in the EU by 2010 and to restore habitats and natural
systems. In 2002, they also joined some 130 world leaders, as Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity, in agreeing to significantly reduce the rate of
biodiversity loss globally by 2010. In 2006, the EU issued a Biodiversity Communication
and detailed Biodiversity Action Plan to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. A
consistent approach to assessing progress through targets and indicators has been
adopted in Scotland.
Scotland has played an active part in stemming biodiversity loss, both with the rest of
the UK and in its own right. A 25-year framework for action commenced in 2004 with the
publication of Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy. It recognises both the urgency of the
task to halt biodiversity loss and that action needs to be sustained in order to restore it.
The longer-term vision is that Scotland is recognised as a world leader in biodiversity
conservation by 2030.
This report provides an assessment of progress with biodiversity conservation in
Scotland by 2010, international year of biodiversity. The purpose of the report is threefold:
- to provide a factual account for the evaluation of the European 2010 target to halt
biodiversity loss;
- to contribute evidence for formulating post-2010 targets; and
- to extend knowledge of Scotland’s biodiversity and how it is changing.
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