biodiversity
Status of UK BAP Species and Habitats in Scotland: 2005
| Status of UK BAP Species | Status of UK BAP Habitats 1 |
 |  |
| Based on 209 UK BAP priority species in Scotland 2 | Based on 40 UK BAP priority habitats in Scotland 2 |
Count
| Number of Species | Number of Habitats |
|---|
Increasing | 11 | 5 |
|---|
Stable | 56 | 8 |
|---|
Declining (slowing) | 18 | 12 |
|---|
Fluctuating (probably declining) | 3 | 1 |
|---|
Declining (continuing/accelerating) | 11 | 0 |
|---|
No clear trend | 17 | 3 |
|---|
Lost (pre UK BAP publication) | 3 | 0 |
|---|
Unknown | 90 | 11 |
|---|
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life. The conservation and enhancement of our rich and varied natural heritage of plants and animals, habitats and ecosystems, is essential to the quality of our lives and for a sustainable future.
In 1992, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity recognised the need to protect biodiversity. The UK was one of the 150 countries to sign up to the convention, and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan ( UK BAP) was published to develop strategies to protect biological diversity. 3 The Scottish Biodiversity Forum is responsible for implementing the objectives of the UK BAP in Scotland. 4
Between 1995 and 1999, action plans were developed for 45 habitats and 391 species in the UK. Of these, 41 UK BAP priority habitats and 261 species either occur in, or have recently been lost from Scotland. By 2005, 32% of the species considered 2 were stable or increasing, while 14% were in decline. Figures for habitats indicate that 33% of those considered 2 were stable or increasing, while 30% were in decline.
SOURCE: DEFRA, JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE