Some of Scotland's globally important seabird colonies could become extinct in parts of the country if the Scottish Government does not act quickly to protect them, according to RSPB Scotland.
The wildlife charity insists species like common guillemots, razorbills and puffins are struggling to cope with increasing challenges including a lack of food and the effects of climate change.
Recent counts carried out on the RSPB reserve at Noup Cliffs on Orkney reveal a 41% fall in numbers of common guillemot since the last seabird census in 2000.
Dunnet Head on the Caithness coast saw a decline of around 45% from 8980 in 2000 to just 4880, while common guillemots on Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde suffered a decline of over 27% over the same period.
RSPB Scotland is calling on ministers to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the internationally important seabird populations. Some 37 MPAs were announced in July, but the RSPB has been frustrated by the exclusion of seabirds.
Allan Whyte, Marine Policy Officer at RSPB Scotland said: "Scotland is home to 24 species of breeding seabird and it is baffling that the Scottish Government chooses to ignore all but one when designating MPAs."
But a Scottish Government spokesman said ministers were already acting. "The Scottish Government has asked Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to provide formal advice regarding what additional marine Special Protection Areas are required."
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