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Background

The consultation and the launch

The Species Action Framework received a ministerial launch in January 2007 and the five year programme was completed in March 2012. This followed a public consultation in 2006.

Although we committed resources to new, targeted species management action, we were not the only organisation involved in taking forward the Species Action Framework. For some species we were not even the main lead. As the Ministerial foreword of the Framework document pointed out, we needed to work in partnership with other bodies, both statutory and voluntary.

To emphasise this further, the launch of the Species Action Framework included presentations given by our partners at the Deer Commission for Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The Scottish Government was the main partner involved in the production of the Framework publication.

You can get more background information on the Species Action Framework by taking a look at these documents: 

The Species Action Framework

A summary leaflet of the Species Action Framework

The public consultation document 

Summary of the Species Action Framework

Why do we manage species?

SNH's long term aim is for thriving and, where possible, self-sustaining and self-regulating populations of native species, distributed throughout their natural range.

When is species management needed?

There are four main situations:

  • Species conservation - where targeted action is focused on the needs of a species to increase its range or population size because it is at risk in Scotland or internationally, or because it plays a vital role in achieving healthy ecosystems.
  • Invasive non-native species - where species that are not native to a particular area threaten biodiversity aims.
  • Conflicts of interest involving native species - when the behaviour of a species brings it into conflict with people's interests or with the conservation of other species or habitats.
  • Sustainable use of species - where a species in the wild is a resource of social or economic benefit (e.g. field sports, fisheries).

Which species should be the focus of species management efforts?

A 'Species Action List' of 32 species where new, focused effort and resources over five years could make the most difference to biodiversity was produced

How do we manage species for biodiversity?

The following five principles should guide all species management:

  • Species management is a shared responsibility.
  • There are ecological and socio-economic aspects to species management decisions.
  • Species management benefits from a strategic approach.
  • Species management needs an adaptive approach.
  • Management activity should have regard to animal welfare.

Practitioners of land and water management were key partners in meeting the biodiversity conservation objectives outlined in this Framework for action.