Threatened and threatening species
The contrast between threatened (those that we are in danger of losing) and threatening (invasive species) species is large, and here we reflect on issues related to this.
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Threatened species
Threatened species are characterized by a rapid decrease in number or a that they exists in small numbers. Reduction and fragmentation of habitats contribute to an increased risk of extinction for these species. Usually there is a combination of several factors that cause a species to be endangered.
The Norwegian Red List of Species is an overview of species that may be at risk of extinction in Norway, ie those that are endangered. The Red List has been prepared by the Species Data Bank in collaboration with experts.
Threatening species
Invasive (threatening) species are species that with human assistance have spread outside their natural range and potential for spread. Such species are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide.
Invasive species list 2018 shows the ecological risk that invasive species can pose to biodiversity in Norway. We have almost 1200 invasive species spread to nature. Some of these have been deliberately set out, others have escaped or strayed there, and still others are blind passengers who have sneaked in without us being aware of it.