SURVIVAL hopes for three endangered Scottish bird species were given a boost yesterday after they were included in a new Government-backed conservation straegy, writes Gavin Madeley.
The wryneck, the common scoter, and the red-necked phalarope are among distinctly Scottish species included in 56 action plans published by the UK Biodiversity Steering Group.
Rare plants such as the twinflower and the Shetland hawkweed have also been shortlisted.
Scottish Environment Minister Lord Sewel welcomed the new plans, saying they marked further progress towards the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, established after the Earth Summit in 1992.
The work will be overseen by the Scottish Biodiversity Group, set up in May, 1996, which includes representatives from the Government, local authorities, conservation groups, universities and research institutes, industry, and fishing, farming, forestry, crofting, and landowning interests.
Lord Sewel said: ''The Scottish Biodiversity Group has made a significant impact in the last two years in delivering the message to the people of Scotland that biodiversity matters. It is an important part of the Government's overall approach to sustainable development.''
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan has listed the first set of 116 species and 14 habitat action plans. A revised list of priority species is expected towards the end of the year.
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