Plants, animals and fungi

Six species of amphibian, and three species of reptile can be found in Scotland, along with several introduced species. Several species of marine turtle – also reptiles – have been recorded around our coast, and are infrequent visitors to our

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.

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 aren’t only the large-fronded type used by florists and seen most commonly in damp woodlands and by streams.

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.

Plants make almost every square metre of land in Scotland green in summer. Most have flowers that add yet more colour.

Between land and freshwater alone, Scotland may be home to some 50,000 species of invertebrate.

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.