Effects on nature - species

What is special about Scotland's current climate for species?

Within Europe, Scotland's climate is special in being one of the most strongly influenced by the vast Atlantic Ocean. Scotland has relatively warm, wet winters and cool, wet summers, especially in the west compared to other places at a similar latitude. Our mountains increase the range of climatic conditions that Scotland experiences, with near arctic conditions on our high mountain tops. Many of Scotland's species are highly adapted to specific conditions.

How will climate change affect species?

Climate change will have direct effects on species, for example heavier rain events will result in more severe spates in many rivers thus damaging salmon spawning grounds with greater frequency. Reduction in mountain snow cover will reduce the extent of some montane plants. However, indirect effects may be just as significant, e.g. young birds might not hatch at the same time as their prey and flowers might not open when their pollinators are active.

Some effects are particularly unpredictable, such as changes in the relationship between pests/diseases and their hosts, between predators and prey, and on the competitive balance between species. In these circumstances it remains impossible to predict with certainty the winners and losers amongst Scotland's species.

Will Scotland lose any of its species?

Yes, it is likely that some species will be lost from Scotland if their preferred climate is not available any more. For example, the cold loving fish, Arctic char, will almost certainly decline in warmer conditions. Commercially important species may also be lost, for example Corsican pine is already succumbing to a disease  , red band needle blight which is caused by a fungus that thrives in warmer and more humid conditions.

Will new species move into Scotland?

Yes, we are already seeing new species move into Scotland. Some are coming in naturally from the south as the climate becomes more suitable for them. Other species that have been introduced by people, for example into parks and gardens, will likely spread into the wider countryside when our climate becomes more similar to where they came from. The nuthatch  is a good example of a bird whose range is gradually extending northwards through Scotland.

What are the potential impacts of new species?

Most new species that establish will have little impact on our existing species. However, some will outcompete existing species and become problem invasive species. Invasive species can have serious impacts and for some habitats, such as fresh water, are considered one of the biggest climate change related issues.

Existing introduced species may also become more problematic in a changing climate. For example, Rhododendron ponticum is a good example of an non-native invasive species that may become even more problematic by shading out our native woodland plants as our climate becomes warmer and wetter.

Some new species will be pests or cause disease, and in some cases existing pest species will become more widespread or damaging in a new climate.

Can species respond/adapt to a changing climate?

Species vary considerably in their ability to adapt to climate change. This will depend on their ability to move to new areas of suitable climate and on the quality, extent and connectivity of their existing habitat. We can help species adapt by managing the countryside carefully and by connecting areas of similar habitat. Some species that can't spread very well might be helped by moving them to new locations.

Find out more about Scotland's species