Species Action Framework

Scotland boasts a rich range of species - some 90,000 different animals, plants and fungi inhabit Scotland's land and sea. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy sets out what needs to be done over the next 25 years to conserve and enhance this biodiversity.

Our priority

Our priority is to focus on those species where significant gains can be secured.

To help do this, Scottish Natural Heritage has produced a Species Action Framework which identifies a list of 32 species where new, focused effort and resources can make the most difference.

The Framework highlights four situations when species management is needed:

• species conservation - where targeted action is needed to increase the range or population of a species, such as capercaillie, red squirrel or the Scottish wildcat, because it's at risk or because it plays a vital role in providing a healthy environment
• invasive non-native species - where species not native to an area threaten biodiversity, such as the American mink, the grey squirrel or the North American signal crayfish
• conflicts of interest - when the behaviour of a species, such as the hen harrier, brings it into conflict with people's interests or with the conservation of other species or habitats
• sustainable use - where a species in the wild is a resource of social or economic benefit, such as the red deer and roe deer.

For fuller information see our Species Action Framework set of web pages or contact Martin.Gaywood@snh.gov.uk  01463 725230