SPECIES in Scotland have been hit by near-25% declines in just 50 years, according to the "clearest picture to date" on the country's wildlife.

More than 70 specialist organisations have joined with government agencies for the first time to compile the "comprehensive" new paper.

The State of Nature Scotland report 2019 reveals that nature is changing "rapidly", with "strong" differences seen for more than 60% of species.

More than 6400 have been assessed, with 11% of these now classed as threatened with extinction.

Since recording began, 50% of species have declined in numbers, with "substantial" falls seen in the country's globally significant seabird populations.

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The Arctic skua has suffered a near-80% decline, with kittiwake numbers falling by more than 70%.

Overall moth numbers are down by 25% and the wildcat was declared "functionally extinct" in 2018. However, conservation efforts using captive-bred animals continue.

Lead report author Paul Walton said: “This report draws on the best available data on Scotland’s biodiversity, produced by partnerships between conservation NGOs, research institutes, government and agencies, and thousands of dedicated volunteers.

"The output confirms that, averaged across species, the erosion and loss of nature in Scotland continues. But it also highlights how much we still have to lose, and some of the incredible work that is already underway to hold on to it.

"Scotland is uniquely placed to set a global example in responding to the twin climate and ecological crises.

"We must invest our ingenuity to integrate policies, to devise complementary solutions, to cooperate across sectors and tackle these twin global crises simultaneously. We must, critically, see a step-change in how we resource the conservation of all our biodiversity and develop nature-based approaches to climate change.

"If we do so, we can lead the way towards the transformative change that nature demands."

Agencies involved in the report include the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The John Muir Trust, Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group, Friends of the Earth and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland also took part, as did organisations specialising in bats, insects, mammals, lichens and more.

The paper shows success for some species, with butterflies showing a slight increase in abundance to 9%.

Invasive non-native species and pollution are amongst the problems facing Scotland's wildlife.

Craig McAdam, conservation director of Buglife, commented: “It is not just our iconic species such as the wildcat that are at risk but also many of our lesser known species of wildlife, in particular the invertebrates.

"Without the diversity of insect pollinators including bees, hoverflies, butterflies and more our soft fruit industry could collapse. It is essential that we work together to ensure their long-term survival.”

And RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall said: “Nature is still being lost across Scotland at a deeply concerning rate.

"We need ambitious legislation with binding targets backed by realistic resources, to not only halt nature’s decline but secure its recovery."