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Scotland’s changing bird species reveal climate change impact
There has been a more than 500 per cent increase in great spotted woodpeckers.
Warmer and wetter weather has changed the populations living in the country.

New statistics on Scotland’s changing bird populations have reflected the impact that climate change has had on the prominence of different species.

The country’s wetter summers and warmer winters, caused by climate change, have resulted in significant increases of some bird species, and decreases of others.

A report, conducted by NatureScot, has identified that 18 out of 23 species on the Scottish woodland indicator have seen population increases since 1994. This has included an over 500 per cent increase in chiffchaffs, blackcaps and great spotted woodpeckers.

There have also been increases of more than 50 per cent for the bullfinch, great tit, wren, tree pipit, song thrush and willow warbler.

The increase in willow warblers especially reflects changes in Scotland’s climate. The higher temperatures have meant Scotland has become a ‘climate refuge’ for many species, as it reaches the birds’ preferred temperatures.

Farmland birds have seen significant long-term increases, with a 358 per cent increase in goldfinches, 128 per cent increase in whitethroats and 120 per cent increase in great tits. These species are now twice as abundant as they were in 1994.

However some farmland birds had suffered a decrease in their population numbers, including an over 50 per cent decrease in kestrels, greenfinches and lapwings.

Upland birds were most affected by the effects of climate change, particularly due to the increased rainfall in the summer. Of the 17 species on the list, 12 have seen a decline since 1994.

This includes an over 50 per cent drop in black grouse, curlews and dotterels, due to climate change, forest expansion and changing land management practices.

Simon Foster, trends and indicators analyst at NatureScot, said: “The report shows how our weather today will affect bird populations in future years.

“With extreme weather such as flooding and heat becoming more prevalent, we must ensure that improving Scotland’s nature and habitats uses the latest science to help deliver the best results. Working with volunteers and scientists gives us the vital information needed to do this.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."