大象传媒

Make the most of the wildlife in Devon's countryside - some of it may not be around for very much longer.

Much loved creatures such as the dormouse, water vole, puffin, golden plover and skylark may be lost to Devon by 2050, according to a research study into the impact of climate change by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Other losers in Devon could be the lapwing, avocet, brown hare, long-finned pilot whale, and loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Under threat - dormice (Andrew Taylor)

Plants which could disappear in the county include sundews and heath lobelia.

However, for some species, the changing weather patterns may have a positive effect.

Bottle-nose dolphins could become more common in our coastal waters, and climate change could also be good news for several species of bat in Devon.

Birds which might thrive include the Cetti's warbler, stonechat, Dartford warbler, hen harrier and merlin.

The large blue butterfly, silver-studded blue butterfly and small red damselfly are predicted to flourish if climate change occurs at predicted rates.

The conservation charity began its internet-based study in early 2007 and released the preliminary findings in the spring of 2008.

Silver-studded blue butterfly - a winner?

A team of trust volunteers researched data already published on 30 habitats and 269 species in the Devon biodiversity action plan (BAP).

They have made their assessments based on emission scenarios published by the UK Climate Impacts Programme.

They recorded the likely impact of climate change to each of the species and habitats.

The results show that 42% of the BAP species may be at risk from climate change and 46% may benefit.

But when the figures are broken down, they reveal a more worrying picture for some areas of wildlife.

For example, almost three-quarters - 72% - of Devon's bird species could lose out as a result of climate change. In addition, rising sea levels will pose a risk to waders.

Avocets could be lost to Devon (RSPB)

For many creatures and plants, the life-cycle will change, with earlier breeding and increased winter survival rates.

However, the changing temperatures will mean species will have to adapt - or move elsewhere.

The Devon Wildlife Trust says the information will help to prioritise conservation efforts for those species and habitats which will be able to survive.

But the days could be numbered for other creatures and plants in Devon which won't survive into the second half of this century.

Dr Pam Vass, who led the research team, said: "More monitoring work may be organised at particular Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

"And we hope to work with local universities, research organisations and experts to further our understanding of these trends and predictions so that together we can help our wildlife adapt to climate change."