Glow worms and slime moulds found in Scotland's declining rainforest

A survey by the Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) in Scotland’s West Cowal peninsula uncovered 1,109 species, including glow worms, slime moulds, and rare lichens, in the first detailed study of the area since the 1970s. The project, part of a broader citizen science initiative, used a mobile app and AI tools to log species data, with over 3,400 records contributed by 171 volunteers. The findings underscore the ecological significance of Scotland’s temperate rainforests, which support globally rare biodiversity despite their small size. The survey coincides with Scotland’s push to restore nature, as the government prepares to set legally binding targets under the Natural Environment Bill passed in January. Scotland ranks among the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with a 15% decline in species abundance since 1994, according to the 2023 State of Nature report. Lichens, mosses, and flowering plants—key components of rainforest ecosystems—have seen massive declines since the 1970s. Two major threats endanger Scotland’s remaining rainforests: overpopulation of deer, which graze young aspen saplings before they mature, and invasive rhododendron, a non-native shrub introduced by Victorians. Rhododendron now covers 40% of some rainforest areas, smothering native species, while conservation groups like Trees for Life describe its impact as catastrophic. Efforts to remove rhododendron and control deer populations are ongoing, but experts warn that without intervention, these ecosystems will continue to shrink. NatureScot estimates Scotland has 30,000 hectares of internationally important rainforest, supported by high rainfall and mild temperatures. ACT’s rainforest manager, Ian Dow, emphasized their global importance, noting that temperate rainforests like those in West Cowal are rarer than tropical counterparts such as the Amazon. The survey’s data will help identify priority areas for protection, with volunteer coordinator Heather Morrison highlighting the discovery of previously unknown rainforest fragments. The project’s use of AI-assisted identification has accelerated species recording compared to older methods, providing a critical baseline for conservation. As Scotland works to reverse biodiversity loss, the survey results offer a snapshot of the fragile ecosystems at risk and the urgent need for targeted restoration efforts.