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Some of the key pressures on biodiversity

The key pressures that have caused the decline in biodiversity and their current trends in Scotland. 

Potato furrows and white clouds, Taymount, Stanley, Tayside and Clackmannanshire Area. © Lorne Gill/ SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Libary on tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Habitat change

Conversion of semi-natural habitats has resulted in the loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems.

Sewage Outfall. © Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk.

Pollution

Impacts from pollution have reduced, but nutrient enrichment from diffuse pollution is still an issue.

Modern Pelagic Trawler. ©Chris Martin/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Over exploitation

Taking too much from our environment remains a threat to global biodiversity.

Oak trees submerged by the flood waters of the River Tay at Stanley, Tayside and Clackmannanshire Area. © Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Climate change

Our climate is changing. Discover how this affects biodiversity.

Common (or Pontic) rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)._©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Invasive non-native species

Alien species are not only a threat to our biodiversity, but costly to manage.