Wildlife in Scotland

Birds: famous feathered Scottish wildlife

For many residents of and visitors to Scotland, birds are one of their main interests when it comes to wildlife. Our hedge rows, woodlands and farmland have a good mix of familiar thrushes, tits and smaller birds of prey. But the wilder areas are important for many rarer species. Amongst the mountains, there are important populations of golden eagle and ptarmigan. And our ancient pine forests hold species of grouse, tits and finches, not found anywhere else in Britain. These highlight species live here all-year-round (so-called ‘resident’ species).

Mammals: Scotland’s wildlife megastars

Scotland is not well known for large wild mammals (aka ‘charismatic megafauna’). However, our rugged mountain and forest scenery is home to several species of wild mammal that are scarce in many other parts of Britain, for example Pine marten, Scottish wildcat and Red squirrel. In addition, our clean freshwater lochs and rivers have provided important habitat for highly protected species such as otter and the water vole. Lastly, our productive seas and miles of coastline feature regular sightings of a wide range of marine mammals (dolphins, whales and seals).

Invertebrates: Scotland’s most abundant animals

Unsurprisingly, the largest group of wildlife in Scotland, in terms of species numbers, is the invertebrates (ie: those without a backbone). These include the insects, spiders, worms and molluscs, etc. Visits to the coast are likely to result in sightings of edible sea urchins and various starfish and shellfish, together with jellyfish such as the Lion’s Mane and Barrel.

Examples of Biodiversity Action Plan insects include Butterflies and moths such as the Pearl-bordered fritillary, Chequered Skipper and Kentish Glory and the Great Yellow bumblebee, Narrow-headed ant and Aspen hover fly.

Scottish wildlife – an overview

Britain has been described as ‘one of the most nature depleted countries in the world’ *. In spite of this, it is Scotland where many of Britain’s rarest and most highly protected species can still be found.

This wildlife has had a complicated, five thousand year long relationship with people. As a result, we see a wide range of introduced, reintroduced, feral and non-native species. Also, wild plants and animals feature strongly in Scottish wildlife folklore and Gaelic history.

The biodiversity of Scotland is notable for a relatively small country. At a very rough estimate, Scotland is home to at least 67,000 living species of wildlife. Of these, an estimated 40,000 animal and plant species can be found in Scottish seas.

However, centuries of human impacts have also led to pressure on native species and their habitats. Now, many of these species and their habitats are protected by national and international laws (for example, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Natura legislation). Furthermore, conservation, rewilding and reintroduction projects are gaining public support. See the post Scotland’s native wildlife to learn more.