22 April, 2021
Statistical News Release: Marine and Terrestrial Species Indicators - Experimental Official Statistic
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
NatureScot has today released official statistics showing changes in marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Scotland.
Three headline indicators show trends for marine abundance, terrestrial abundance and terrestrial occupancy. Over the long term (1994-2016), marine abundance has shown a significant decrease of 36%, terrestrial abundance has shown a significant decline of 31% and terrestrial occupancy has shown a significant increase of 24%.
Over the short term (2015-2016), marine abundance, terrestrial abundance and terrestrial occupancy were stable.
Within the report the results are broken down to the taxonomic groups for each of the three headline indicators. These show marked variation in the trends of the contributing species.
The drivers of change are discussed within the report and include land and sea use change; climate change; pollution; natural resources and exploitation and invasive species.
ENDS
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
Notes to editors
The full statistical publication can be accessed at: https://www.nature.scot/doc/marine-and-terrestrial-species-indicators-experimental-statistic
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig https://twitter.com/nature_scot