Natural history of Scotland

The total number of vascular species is low by world standard but lichens and bryophytes are abundant and the latter form a population of global importance.

The fauna of Scotland is generally typical of the north-west European part of the Palearctic realm, although several of the country's larger mammals were hunted to extinction in historic times.

[4][5] Many populations of moorland birds, including blackcock and the famous red grouse, live here, and the country has internationally significant nesting grounds for seabirds such as the northern gannet.

[11] An estimated 14,000 species of insect, including rare bees and butterflies protected by conservation action plans inhabit Scotland.

Many agencies in the UK are concerned that climate change, especially its potential effects on mountain plateaus and marine life, threaten much of the flora and fauna of Scotland.