3 Loss of biodiversity and extinction

3.1 Birds

So far, we have looked at examples of species that the UK will ‘gain’ from mainland Europe. In this section we will look at the species we may lose as a result of changing climate. Some of these species, like the ptarmigan and black grouse, are widespread throughout upland and sub-Arctic regions within Europe. Some of these are endemic, like the Scottish crossbill.

Researchers suggest that for some species of upland birds, like the red grouse, changes in climate will mean a reduction in breeding areas and in population and a contraction in range as habitats change – see ‘Birds on the move’.

For other species that are already breeding at or near the edge of their habitat (like the black grouse and capercaillie) the loss of suitable habitat, or the geography of the habitat (already found in the highest peaks in the UK), may leave the species vulnerable to extinction within the UK. This illustrates how species are vulnerable to changing environmental conditions when they are at the edge of their niche or where the habitat is marginal.

You can find distribution maps for a range of European bird species at the European Bird Census Council.