Shetland
has some of the most unique natural environments in the world. Its habitats and
landscapes have evolved through a long partnership between people and nature and
its wildlife is extremely rich and varied.
Wild
flowers, animals, birds and sea life thrive in Shetland's pristine environment.
Over 800 species of wild flowers, some unique to Shetland, cover the landscape
during the summer months.
Otters
are becoming more plentiful and seals porpoises, dolphins, sharks and killer
whales can often be seen from the coast.
Millions of seabirds come to Shetland each year to breed and the sight and sound
(and smell!) of 30,000 gannets in one colony is awesome. Puffins, gulls, skuas,
fulmars, petrels, shags, cormorants, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, terns
share the seas and skies around Shetland more or less harmoniously.
Here is a table of the commonest birds and sea mammals you are
likely to see around Shetland.
