Sir David Attenborough launched the exhibition in Edinburgh

He described the environment as "the most urgent issue facing humanity", but insisted there had been a huge shift in attitude over the past five years.

The 80-year-old was speaking at the launch of an Edinburgh exhibition on rare features of the natural world, which he helped put together.

It is being held at the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Historic artworks on display from several European artists include work by Leonardo da Vinci.

Even five years ago, if you talked about climate change, people wouldn't know what you were talking about, or they'd think that you were either alarmist or it was some very far-out scientific research Sir David Attenborough

Speaking at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Sir David said certain rare creatures he had filmed over the decades were now extinct.

But he said attitudes to the dangers facing the planet were altering.

"There's been a huge change in public attitude," he said.

"Even five years ago, if you talked about climate change, people wouldn't know what you were talking about, or they'd think that you were either alarmist or it was some very far-out scientific research.

"They now know it affects everybody. The prime minister and other people - every politician of all parties - are now saying that the environment is the most urgent issue that faces humanity at the moment, which is indeed so."

Leonardo da Vinci

The paintings, selected from the collections in the Royal Library by curators of the Royal Collection, are the works and collections of Cassiano dal Posso, Alexander Marshal, Maria Sibylla Merian, Mark Catesby and Leonardo da Vinci.

The works, which span the 15th Century to the 18th Century, reflect a time when new species were being discovered around the world in ever increasing numbers.