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Bugs, snails and starfish to be protected
20/01/2009
A new vision for the conservation of thousands of Scotland's animal species has been set out today.
Invertebrates, such as insects and shellfish, make up around 98 per cent of Scotland's animal species and a new strategy will aim to ensure they are valued and conserved for future generations.
Invertebrates (animals without backbones) play a key role in a healthy environment and economy, but are currently in jeopardy from habitat destruction, over-exploitation, pollution and other threats.
The strategy, produced by the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates, explains how 98 per cent of Scotland's animals can be saved by harnessing the expertise of hundreds of volunteers to ensure that threatened habitats, sites and species are identified and conserved.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"Invertebrates are the unsung heroes of the animal kingdom. From bugs, to shellfish, to the humble bumblebee, many species which we may often dismiss as not being important or even cute enough to protect have a vital role to play in Scottish biodiversity and many are under threat.
"It must also be stressed that many invertebrate species are also critical to the Scottish economy. They clean rivers, pollinate crops and income from fisheries depends on strong invertebrate populations.
"Langoustine (Norway lobster or Scampi), a marine invertebrate, contributed £89.3 million to the Scottish economy in 2007, more than the combined value of cod, haddock and monkfish catches, clearly demonstrating that this is a species that must be treated with the utmost importance.
"Other species such as freshwater pearl mussels are under threat from wildlife criminals and the decline in bumblebee numbers has been well publicised.
"I hope that today's launch will encourage many Scots to take an interest in what is a fascinating range of species and ensure that we all work together to ensure they have a future in Scotland."
The launch at the Royal Society of Edinburgh is the culmination of a two year development process involving the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates, co-ordinated by Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, and with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage.
Buglife's Conservation Officer for Scotland, Craig Macadam said:
"The strategy represents the views of over 100 conservation experts and has gained wide support and endorsement. It demonstrates the enthusiasm and resolve of invertebrate conservationists to act together to bring about action for Scottish invertebrates".
Graham Rotheray from the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates said:
"The amount of work before us is daunting. With the launch of the strategy we have an opportunity to show what can be done not only for Scotland and the rest of the UK, but in Europe and the rest of the world too".
The development and publication of the strategy document was supported by a number of organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), RSPB (Scotland), Scottish Wildlife Trust, Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation Scotland Bumblebee Conservation Trust and the John Muir Trust.
Over 1400 Scottish invertebrate species are significant to UK biodiversity because they are confined to Scotland. Many others have populations centred in Scotland. Scotland has the best representation of upland species in the UK and is a refuge for species becoming rare or extinct elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
Across Europe, including the UK, invertebrate biodiversity is declining and only a few species are being actively conserved. Expert opinion is that an increasing number of Scottish invertebrates are, or soon could be, critically endangered.
Major threats to Scottish invertebrates include habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, development pressures, competition from non-native species and pollution. Lack of understanding is also an important issue.