Djurslag

Djurslag is a Swedish term used to describe a kind or category of animal. In everyday language and in many administrative or practical contexts, djurslag denotes what in biology might be referred to as a species or a recognizable group of animals. It is not a formal taxonomic rank in scientific classification; formal ranks include art (species), släkt (genus), familj (family), and so on.

Usage of the term varies with context. In registration forms, veterinary records, or wildlife management, djurslag serves as a pragmatic label to identify what kind of animal is being referred to, rather than to specify exact scientific lineage. The same label can cover different levels of specificity depending on the situation, from common domestic animals to broader categories used in farming or conservation.

Common examples of djurslag in everyday Swedish include hund (dog), katt (cat), häst (horse), nötkreatur or nöt (cattle), and fågel (bird). In some contexts the category tamdjur (domestic animals) or vilda djur (wild animals) may be used alongside or instead of more specific djurslag.

Relation to formal taxonomy: when precise classification is required, scientists rely on the standard taxonomic terms and the Latin binomial nomenclature for art (species) and higher ranks. Djurslag remains a practical, non-technical label that facilitates communication, recordkeeping, and regulatory work where exact scientific categorization is not essential.

Etymology: djur means animal and slag means kind or type, reflecting its role as a general descriptor rather than a formal taxonomic category.