Endangered and non-native species

The state of global biodiversity is critical, and significant changes are needed to reverse the negative trend. The loss of biodiversity is often caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, and the spread of invasive species.

What We Do

• We carry out extensive work on endangered species such as the noble crayfish and the eel, and contribute as species experts on fish and shellfish in the assessment of the Swedish Red List. The Swedish Red List is a catalog of species and their conservation status in Sweden, updated every five years under the guidance of SLU Swedish Species Information Centre.
• We work with several invasive species, including round goby, American lobster, signal crayfish, and pink salmon. Invasive species, particularly when they are harmful, can have a significant negative impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
• We develop and provide advice on innovative tools such as eDNA for monitoring and analyzing biodiversity.
• We map how species and habitats are affected by human activities and develop guidelines for risk management, monitoring, management, and restoration programs.
• We use population genetic methods to study biodiversity at the population, species, and ecosystem levels, generating knowledge that can enhance conservation efforts.

What is an Invasive Species?

An invasive species is one that, with human assistance—whether intentional or accidental—has been moved from one area to another, crossing a natural barrier (e.g., freshwater species from North America introduced into Swedish water systems). Some invasive species are harmful, meaning they negatively affect native plants and animals or cause economic damage.

Perhaps the most impactful event has been the introduction of the signal crayfish, which has been a carrier of crayfish plague, putting the native freshwater crayfish population at great risk.

Report Findings of Invasive Species

You can report invasive species directly on Artportalen or in Rappen. For American lobster sightings, you can report directly to us.

Endangered Species

Learn more about our work with the noble crayfish—a critically endangered species of significant value.

Invasive and Non-native Species

Read more about our work with invasive and non-native species:

Round goby

American lobster

Noble crayfish

Pink salmon