Priority, protected & invasive species · England · Wales · Scotland · Northern Ireland

UK Species Register

Every species on a UK or country priority list, every species named in UK wildlife protection law, and every invasive species named in law, with the exact law, schedule and country for each listing. Built from official UK government sources only.

PrioritySpecies that governments have listed for conservation action: the UK Biodiversity Action Plan list and each country's own list. Public bodies must take them into account, but priority status is not legal protection.
ProtectedSpecies named in wildlife protection law, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Habitats Regulations and the Wildlife (NI) Order. Harming them, or their homes, can be an offence.
Invasive & release controlsNon-native species that it is an offence to release or let spread, and a few native species whose release needs a licence. These are listed separately and are not protected.