Winners and Losers As Animals Battle to Adapt

BASKING sharks, little egrets, the Glanville fritillary butterfly and the Celtic sea slug could all be winners in a changing climate, the National Trust report says.

But rising sea levels and increased flooding and erosion could hit species of tern and wading birds, as well as the grey seal and the Sandhill rustic moth.

There are also fears that salt marshes and mud flats which are home to a number of wading birds will be squeezed by rising seas, while the breeding grounds of tern species could be flooded.

One type of the Sandhill rustic moth is found at just one site in Cornwall, a habitat which could be threatened if weather gets stormier.

The rare, tiny lagoon snail will suffer if their caves are inundated with water for long periods.

The little egret, a member of the heron family, has spread quickly north and inland and can now be seen as far as Cheshire, Strongford Lough, County Down and the Humber Estuary.

The Celtic sea slug, could spread from its current base in Cornish rock pools.

Bats may be at risk from flooding, but could benefit from warmer weather, while alien plant species such as the three-cornered leek, Bermuda buttercup and Hottentot fig could spread inland from their coastal position.

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