New Scottish Strategy for Invertebrate Conservation

20 January 2009

Invertebrates, such as insects and shellfish, make up around 98 per cent of Scotland’s animal species and a new strategy will aim to ensure they are valued and conserved for future generations.

Invertebrates (animals without backbones) play a key role in a healthy environment and economy, but are currently in jeopardy from habitat destruction, over-exploitation, pollution and other threats.

Pine hoverfly (Blera fallax) © Bastiaan Wakkie

The strategy, produced by the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates, explains how we can save 98 per cent of Scotland’s animals by harnessing the expertise and enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers to ensure that threatened habitats, sites and species are identified and conserved. To download a copy of the strategy click here.

Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:

“Invertebrates are the unsung heroes of the animal kingdom. From bugs, to shellfish, to the humble bumblebee, many species which we may often dismiss as not being important or even cute enough to protect have a vital role to play in Scottish biodiversity and many are under threat.

It must also be stressed that many invertebrate species are also critical to the Scottish economy. They clean rivers, pollinate crops and income from fisheries depends on strong invertebrate populations.

Langoustine (Norway lobster or Scampi), a marine invertebrate, contributed £89.3 million to the Scottish economy in 2007, more than the combined value of cod, haddock and monkfish catches, clearly demonstrating that this is a species that must be treated with the utmost importance.

Other species such as freshwater pearl mussels are under threat from wildlife criminals and the decline in bumblebee numbers has been well publicised.

I hope that today’s launch will encourage many Scots to take an interest in what is a fascinating range of species and ensure that we all work together to ensure they have a future in Scotland.”

Mud snail (Omphiscola glabra) © Paul Baker

The launch at the Royal Society of Edinburgh is the culmination of a two year development process involving the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates, co-ordinated by Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, and with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage.

“The strategy represents the views of over 100 leading conservation experts and has gained wide support and endorsement” said Buglife’s Conservation Officer for Scotland, Craig Macadam. “It demonstrates the enthusiasm and resolve of invertebrate conservationists to act together to bring about action for Scottish invertebrates”.

“The amount of work before us is daunting” said Graham Rotheray from the Initiative for Scottish Invertebrates.“ With the launch of the strategy we have an opportunity to show what can be done not only for Scotland and the rest of the UK, but in Europe and the rest of the world too”.