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.
New Wildlife crime investigator Tackling raptor persecution, poaching and hare coursing will be top priorities covering all of Scotland. News - 15 January
YCW2020 - A Day in the Life Join Freshwater and Wetlands Advice Manager Iain Sime on Dark Lochnagar to learn about our work on water monitoring. Blog - 18 December
Woodland bird recovery Read the latest official statistics published today showing woodland birds appear to have recovered from a short-term decline. News - 14 January
Scotland's 'giant' mozzies Do you seem to get more (or less) mosquito bites than others? Here are some possible reasons why. Blog - 7 December
Sea eagle Action Plan review Helping farmers and crofters to manage the impact of white-tailed eagles on their livestock. News - 8 January
How farms and crofts benefit nature A new project NatureScot is trialling, looking at how best to benefit the environment on agricultural land in the future. Blog - 3 December