Scottish Biodiversity List

The new Scottish Biodiversity List (SBL) has been published by the Scottish Government.  It has been revised to more closely reflect the aims of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) and its delivery plan. 

While all biodiversity is important, focusing our efforts on the plants, animals and habitats which need conservation action now, we can help restore Scotland’s nature back to a healthy, thriving state, able to adapt to the impacts of climate change and support Scotland’s communities.

Through targeted conservation action, we can achieve the vision set out in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy; to reverse biodiversity loss and restore Scotland’s nature by 2045.

The Scottish Biodiversity List 

What is the Scottish Biodiversity List?

The list has 276 species and 82 habitats and was developed using two sets of criteria.

The purpose of the SBL is to support public bodies to carry out their biodiversity duty. It identifies the plants, animals and habitats across land, freshwater and seas, that are of the most importance to biodiversity in Scotland and so makes them a priority for conservation action. 

Not being included in the list does not mean that international obligations are diminished. Nor does it necessarily exclude any action (such as research and survey) to fill knowledge gaps or reduce impacts on habitats and species that are less common. 

A list of research priorities which has identified species which need further research and evidence to better understand what action is needed for their conservation can be found in Data deficient habitats and species in support of the Scottish Biodiversity List

Using the List

The SBL is a prioritisation tool. Being on the List does not give the habitat or species statutory protection.

The primary purpose of the SBL is to support public bodies to carry out their biodiversity duty. Local Authorities can also utilise the SBL for their Local Biodiversity Action Plans

We are currently developing a more accessible version of the SBL. Please contact [email protected] with any feedback that could help inform the development of this.

How was the list created?

NatureScot is pleased to have led the revision of the newly published Scottish Biodiversity List. This shorter, more targeted list will support Ministers, organisations and communities to prioritise resources and action towards the species and habitats that can help reverse nature loss in Scotland.

For terrestrial species and habitats, a set of criteria was developed in collaboration with our Scientific Advisory Committee and internal experts, to ensure they were fit for purpose. Marine species and habitats used the Priority Marine Features criteria, which were agreed in collaboration with the Scottish Government. 

Engagement sessions were held with stakeholders to develop a list focused on action rather than just protection following feedback that the existing list was not effective at helping them prioritise resource and conservation action to restore and regenerate Scotland’s nature

We are continuing to work with stakeholders and users of the list to understand more clearly how they use it. We’re also looking to create a user-friendly database so it can be an effective tool going forward. 

For more information, visit Scottish Biodiversity List - frequently asked questions