Wildlife - Introduction

The Isle of Wight AONB has a rich biological diversity (biodiversity), largely due to the varied geology, landform and ongoing natural processes.  The areas of chalk grassland; maritime slopes and cliffs; estuarine habitats and species are of particular importance regionally, nationally and internationally.

Wildlife and the countryside have evolved with the influence of people throughout history.  Since the mid-nineteenth century the pace of change has increased, which has had an impact on habitats and species.  Intensification of food production in the agricultural sector driven by Government policy over the last 50 years; pressure from increased built development for transport and housing, commerce and industry, have all led to change in the countryside and a decrease in biodiversity as a result of habitat change or loss.  For example, Chalk grassland on the Isle of Wight has declined by two-thirds since 1850, however, a mosaic of important habitats remains.  Areas of land that have poor soil, saline conditions or steep slopes, have avoided the intensification associated with more productive land.  The result is small areas of semi-natural habitat of high wildlife value being surrounded by a more hostile, less bio-diverse, intensively farmed landscape.  These may act as important sources of diversity, with the potential to re-colonize the wider countryside if farming practice becomes less intensive.

Island status has prevented the introduction of some species such as mink, grey squirrel and deer, and allowed populations of rare species such as dormouse, red squirrel and water vole to flourish.  A mild climate and coastal conditions also allow species such as the Glanville Fritillary butterfly to live at the northern edge of their European range.  The impact of climate change and the potential effect of erosion on coastal habitats is a particular area of concern, due to the limited opportunities for the migration of habitats.