Algae Algae support life forms both large and small. These primitive plants are immensely productive and serve as a vital food source and form essential habitats, such as coastal kelp beds.
Amphibians and reptiles Scotland's cool climate is a challenge for cold-blooded herptiles. Find out how our six amphibian species and three common species of reptile cope.
Birds Scotland is a feeding station, a winter haven and a nesting site for birds. More than 140 sites are so important for birds they hold international designations.
Ferns Ferns aren’t only the large-fronded type used by florists and seen most commonly in damp woodlands and by streams.
Fish Scotland’s native freshwater fish species are small in number but highly diverse. Our much wider variety of sea fish includes the world’s second largest fish.
Flowering plants Plants make almost every square metre of land in Scotland green in summer. Most have flowers that add yet more colour.
Fungi Our woodlands, grasslands, mountains and coasts provide special habitats for more than 12,000 species of fungi.
Invertebrates Between land and freshwater alone, Scotland may be home to some 50,000 species of invertebrate.
Lichens Some of Scotlands staggering variety of more than 1,500 lichens are important on a European or even global scale.
Mammals Scotland still has a wealth of mammals, although the largest all live at sea and most of those on land have learned to come out only at night.
Mosses and liverworts Scotland has almost 1,000 moss and liverwort species. They play a hugely important role in the health of our environment and how it functions.
Action to prevent damage by deer concluded NatureScot has concluded use of its intervention powers to carry out a cull of red deer in Sutherland to protect designated habitats. News - 15 March
The jewels in Scotland's crown Sue Walker, Peatland ACTION Communications Officer, explains the vital role of Scotland’s peatlands. Blog - 9 March 2023
Scotland is buzzing with activity A wealth of projects to help pollinators are taking place across Scotland to tackle biodiversity loss and the nature crisis. News - 10 March
Evolutionary dead ends Read all about Darwin's observations on the importance of pollination. Blog - 6 March
General licence restriction NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences on Millden Estate, in the Angus Glens, for three years. News - 8 March
Happy World Seagrass Day! Today's blog looks at the global fight to restore and protect this crucial habitat. Blog - 1 March