About us
SLU Swedish Species Information Centre accumulates, analyses and disseminates information concerning the species and habitats occurring in Sweden.
SLU Swedish Species Information Centre
We are one of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences formal collaborative centres.
Most of the work conducted at SLU Swedish Species Information Centre fits into Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences program for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, focusing on the long term goals of sustainable development expressed by the Parliament in, e.g., the Swedish Environmental Objectives. SLU Swedish Species Information Centre works with commissions from the Government and other authorities within the field of Swedish biodiversity, frequently in cooperation with various NGOs. We also conduct research in the fields of Ecology and Conservation.
SLU Swedish Species Information Centre:
- assess and evaluate the conservation status of the Swedish species
- keep track of the names of species, habitat types and other terms and concepts pertaining to biodiversity and conservation
- accumulate and disseminate information about findings of individual species
- support the implementation of EU regulations
- conduct and support research in the fields of biodiversity and conservation
Nomenclature
By supplying people working with biodiversity with an updated nomenclature (species names, names and definitions of habitat types and other important conservation terms) we enable them to speak the same language. Our taxonomical database Dyntaxa plays an important part in these efforts. Our work is conducted in close cooperation with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Museum of Natural History and other parties concerned.
Accumulation and dissemination of species records
Through the Swedish Species Observation System we gather information from private persons as well as various authorities and institutions concerning the occurrence and distribution of Swedish species.
Supporting the implementation of the EU regulations
Through expert advice we support the civil society in its efforts to implement the EU conservation legislation, e.g. the Species and Habitiats Directive and the Birds Directive.
Research
We conduct research in the fields of ecology and conservation biology, focusing on, e.g., the effects of changes in climate or land use on the survival and distribution of individual species. We have two research groups led by Tord Snäll and Mari Jönsson. We are also a partner in the consortium SBDI – Swedish Biodiversity Data Infrastructure which provides data and analysis services that offer rich opportunities for innovative, interdisciplinary research on biodiversity and ecosystems. Through the The Swedish Taxonomy Initiative we also support taxonomical research on, and inventories of poorly known organism groups in Sweden.
International cooperation
International cooperation is a prerequisite of efficient conservation efforts. SLU Swedish Species Information Centre cooperates closely with its counterparts in the other Nordic countries. It is also a part of the European Topic Center on Biological Biodiversity, an expert agency supporting the EU in its biodiversity efforts. We are also active members of the IUCN, the international organisation responsible for the production of a global Red List.
Main image: © Johan Samuelsson/SLU Swedish Species Information Centre
1st illustration: © Christopher Reisborg/SLU Swedish Species Information Centre
2nd illustration: © Pollyanna von Knorring/SLU Swedish Species Information Centre