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Puffins are among Scotland's most at risk species due to climate change (Photo: Getty Images via Canva Pro)Puffins are among Scotland's most at risk species due to climate change (Photo: Getty Images via Canva Pro)
Puffins are among Scotland's most at risk species due to climate change (Photo: Getty Images via Canva Pro)

COP26: 10 Scottish species at risk due to climate change - from puffins to mountain hares

As COP26 unfolds in Glasgow, here are 10 Scottish species under serious threat from climate change.
Ginny Sanderson
By Ginny Sanderson
Published 9th Nov 2021, 18:20 GMT
Updated 9th Nov 2021, 18:29 GMT
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When we think of animals threatened by climate change, we often think of polar bears, penguins, tigers and snow leopards.

But here in Scotland one in nine species is at risk of extinction. Rising temperatures are having a serious impact on our wildlife – with WWF singling out two of our species as some of the most in jeopardy in the entire world.

Sheila George of WWF Scotland said: “Even small increases in temperature threaten many of the plants and animals that not only make Scotland unique, but that we also depend on for food and pollination.

"That’s why it’s so vital the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow are a success and agreement is reached to keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees. World leaders must agree targets, and the actions necessary to achieve them, to keep the natural world we rely on safe and thriving for us and future generations.”

Here are 10 magnificent species found here in Scotland which are threatened by climate change.

Sheila George of WWF Scotland said: “Even small increases in temperature threaten many of the plants and animals that not only make Scotland unique, but that we also depend on for food and pollination.

Snow Bunting are adorable little fluffballs which are one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK. They are found on the high tops of Scotland's mountains but, as temperatures rise, their natural habitat is getting smaller and smaller. Under a low emissions scenario, these birds could decrease by 90 per cent by 2080 - 98 per cent in a high emissions scenario.

5. Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting are adorable little fluffballs which are one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK. They are found on the high tops of Scotland's mountains but, as temperatures rise, their natural habitat is getting smaller and smaller. Under a low emissions scenario, these birds could decrease by 90 per cent by 2080 - 98 per cent in a high emissions scenario. Photo: Getty Images

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It's well known that bumblebees are in serious decline throughout Scotland, the UK and world. This is due to rising temperatures the pollinators cannot survive in, the destruction of habitats, and use of harmful pesticides. Great yellow bumblebees, once found throughout the UK, are now restricted to the Scottish Highlands and islands.

6. Bumblebee

It's well known that bumblebees are in serious decline throughout Scotland, the UK and world. This is due to rising temperatures the pollinators cannot survive in, the destruction of habitats, and use of harmful pesticides. Great yellow bumblebees, once found throughout the UK, are now restricted to the Scottish Highlands and islands. Photo: Getty Images

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Kittiwakes are majestic seabirds found along Scotland's North Sea Coasts, Orkney, and Shetland. They are currently on the RSPB's 'red list' - the highest conservation priority - and have declined by approximately 60 per cent since the 1980s. This is due to rising sea temperatures and overfishing causing a reduction in their main food source, the sand eel.

7. Kittiwake

Kittiwakes are majestic seabirds found along Scotland's North Sea Coasts, Orkney, and Shetland. They are currently on the RSPB's 'red list' - the highest conservation priority - and have declined by approximately 60 per cent since the 1980s. This is due to rising sea temperatures and overfishing causing a reduction in their main food source, the sand eel. Photo: Getty Images

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As their name suggests, Arctic Charr are a fish which have evolved to suit cold temperatures. Rising temperatures in the lochs and rivers they call home will certainly cause their decline, according to Scotland's Nature Agency, which has noted entire populations disappearing.

8. Arctic Charr

As their name suggests, Arctic Charr are a fish which have evolved to suit cold temperatures. Rising temperatures in the lochs and rivers they call home will certainly cause their decline, according to Scotland's Nature Agency, which has noted entire populations disappearing. Photo: Getty Images

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