Shetland Wildlife
The Shetland Islands are renowned for their diverse and abundant wildlife both onshore and in the surrounding marine environments. This archipelago, with its rugged coastlines, pristine waters, and varied habitats, serves as a haven for numerous species, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.
Onshore Wildlife:
The Shetland Islands boast a rich array of onshore wildlife, with their unique landscapes supporting a variety of plant and animal life. The islands are home to numerous bird species, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The dramatic cliffs and sea stacks provide ideal nesting sites for these seabirds, creating bustling colonies during the breeding season.
In addition to seabirds, Shetland hosts a range of terrestrial birds such as the iconic Shetland wren and the great skua. The diverse habitats, from moorlands to coastal heaths, provide ideal conditions for various bird species to thrive.
Shetland’s wildflowers paint the landscapes with vibrant colors, especially during the summer months. Orchids, heather, and other flowering plants create a picturesque scene across the islands. The vegetation also supports insects, including butterflies and moths, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Land mammals in Shetland are limited, with domesticated species such as sheep and ponies dominating the landscape. The Shetland pony, a small and hardy breed, is an iconic symbol of the islands and is often seen grazing in the open countryside. Those with patience and a keen eye can also enjoy the large number of otters that live, feed and breed around the rugged coast. Wary and stealthy when out of the water, otters eat their catches and sleep in seaweed beds on the shoreline, and families with young otters can be watched playing and play-fighting if you have the the keen eye and light step required to approach them.
Marine Wildlife:
The marine environments around the Shetland Islands are teeming with life, offering a rich tapestry of marine wildlife. The surrounding seas are known for their clear waters and nutrient-rich currents, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of marine species.
Seals are a common sight around Shetland’s shores, with both common seals and grey seals inhabiting the rocky coastlines. These marine mammals can often be spotted basking on rocks or swimming near the shore.
The waters around Shetland are also frequented by cetaceans, including orcas, minke whales, and porpoises. These majestic creatures are drawn to the productive seas, providing ample opportunities for whale watching excursions.
In addition to larger marine mammals, Shetland’s waters are home to a diverse range of fish and invertebrates. The nutrient-rich currents support populations of fish such as herring, mackerel, and cod, attracting larger predators like seals and seabirds.
One of the most iconic marine species around Shetland is the orca, or killer whale. These intelligent and social creatures are known to frequent the waters, and sightings of orcas hunting seals or swimming in family pods are not uncommon.
The underwater landscapes of the Shetland Islands are a treasure trove for divers, with kelp forests, underwater caves, and diverse marine life. Colourful sea anemones, starfish, and a variety of fish species create a vibrant underwater ecosystem and rock-pooling at low tide on any of the local beaches is a never-ending source or marvel.
Conservation and Preservation:
Efforts to conserve and preserve the unique wildlife of the Shetland Islands are a regular community interest. Annual clearing of beaches, road verges and other rural areas are coordinated by volunteers in a scheme called the Voar Redd Up. Conservation organizations, local communities, and authorities collaborate to ensure sustainable practices and responsible tourism and protection of Shetland’s natural resources.
The Shetland Islands offer a breathtaking showcase of onshore and marine wildlife. From seabird colonies and wildflowers to seals, whales, and orcas, the archipelago’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for nature lovers, scientists, and tourists seeking a glimpse of the untamed beauty of Scotland’s northernmost reaches.