Skyddsstatus

Skyddsstatus refers to a designation that indicates a species, habitat, or population requires protection to prevent decline or extinction. The concept is used in nature conservation to signal the level of legal or administrative protection granted and to guide management measures. While the term is common in Sweden, similar notions exist in international biodiversity policy, where protection levels are linked to legal obligations and conservation objectives.

Assignment and authorities vary by country but typically involve assessments of conservation status based on population size and trend, geographic distribution, vulnerability, ecological value, and threats. In Sweden, protectively designated species and habitats are determined by national and regional authorities such as the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) and the county administrative boards (länsstyrelserna). Protection may apply to flora, fauna, and certain natural habitats, and can occur at local, national, or international levels.

Protected status generally entails restrictions on actions that could harm the protected interest. This can include prohibitions on killing, capturing, disturbing, or removing individuals; prohibitions on damaging critical habitats; and limitations on land use or trade. In many cases, permits or licensing requirements are needed for research, management work, or activities that could affect the protected species or habitat.

Relation to international frameworks is common, with national laws aligning with directives and lists such as the IUCN Red List, Natura 2000 designations, and EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The status is typically reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.

See also: conservation status, Natura 2000, IUCN Red List.