We need information on where invasive non-native species occur, especially new arrivals in Scotland, to support management including biosecurity and, in some cases, eradication. We encourage you to submit records via the link below.
Report a non-native species |
Non-native species are animals or plants that have been introduced into an area where they do not naturally occur. Invasive non-native species (INNS) are those non-native species that can spread rapidly and become dominant in an area or ecosystem, causing ecological, environmental and economic impacts. Some invasive non-native species can also affect human health.
It is important to remember that, while there are over 900 non-native species in Scotland, only a minority become invasive, but these few can have serious negative impacts.
In Scotland, it is illegal to release, plant or allow to spread any non-native species into the wild.
Most invasive non-native species fit into one of the following categories, which each require different responses from the relevant authorities and other responsible or affected parties:
Examples of invasive non-native species are given below, grouped by the type of habitat where the species is most likely to be found.
| Freshwater habitats | |
|---|---|
|
North American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
© Copyright Trevor Renals |
This species is already in Scotland in localised populations, so we need to understand distribution better to support management and protect uninvaded waters |
|
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
|
This species is not currently in the wild in Scotland so new records are essential particularly where a rapid response to tackle the problem is possible Submit a record |
|
Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)
|
This species is not currently in the wild in Scotland so new records are essential, particularly where a rapid response to tackle the problem is possible Submit a record |
|
New Zealand Pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii)
|
This species is already in Scotland in localised populations, so we need to understand distribution better to support management and protect uninvaded waters |
| Woodland habitats | |
|
Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus species)
|
This species is not currently in the wild in Scotland so new records are essential, particularly where a rapid response to tackle the problem is possible Submit a record |
| Other land habitats | |
|
American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
|
This species is already in Scotland in localised populations, so we need to understand distribution better to support management and protect uninvaded waters Submit a record |
|
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
|
This species is not currently in the wild in Scotland so new records are essential, particularly where a rapid response to capture escaped animals is possible Submit a record |
|
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
|
This species is under active management across the UK, so we need to know about any new sightings in Scotland to support national management Submit a record |
| Marine habitat | |
|
Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
|
No live specimens of this species have been found in the wild in Scotland so new records are essential, particularly where a rapid response to tackle the problem is possible Submit a record |
|
Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata)
|
This species was first found in the wild in Scotland in 2024 so new records are essential, particularly where a rapid response to tackle the problem is possible Submit a record |
When you add a report through this portal on Scotland's environment web, it goes straight to the iRecord website, and will be passed to a Scottish verifier to confirm the record. iRecord is a website for sharing wildlife observations, including associated photos.
iRecord data are stored in a secure database, are archived daily and accessible to anyone via the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas.
Report a non-native species |
This page was updated on 03 Jun 2025
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