Non-native species are regarded as one of the largest threats to biodiversity worldwide. There are more than 3,000 non-native species in the UK. To assess the potential threats of these species, we need the following -

  • Reliable information on their presence and numbers
  • Knowledge of potential new species to colonise
  • A good understanding of the impacts of each species

BTO makes a major contribution to tracking the colonisation of non-natives through its monitoring schemes, and in partnership through the GB Non-Native Species Information Portal (NNSIP). We also undertake research investigating the impacts of non-natives and providing conservation solutions.

Content Type

Ring-necked Parakeet, by Sarah Kelman / BTO
Publication

Not in the countryside please! Investigating UK residents’ perceptions of an introduced species, the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

This work, carried out in collaboration with Imperial College London, the University of Exeter and the University of Brighton, revealed that 90.2% of the people surveyed were aware of Ring-necked...

Publication

Waterbird News - Issue 39

Grey Squirrel. John Harding / BTO
Blog

Tackling invasives: unpicking the definitions

BTO’s Head and Principal Ecologist David Noble breaks down what we really mean by ‘invasive species’.

Ring-necked Parakeet, Sarah Kelman
Publication

Can we use citizen science to help monitor the impact of non-native species on native biodiversity?

Citizen science schemes could be a valuable source of data for researchers looking to assess the impact that established invasive species have on native species.

Publication

Effect of a joint policy statement by nine UK shooting and rural organisations on the use of lead shotgun ammunition for hunting common pheasants Phasianus colchicus in Britain

BBS volunteer. Photograph by David Tipling
News

BTO and COVID-19

BTO statement on participating in surveys during the Coronavirus pandemic (UPDATED 17.01.2022).

Publication

Invasion of freshwater ecosystems is promoted by network connectivity to hotspots of human activity

Pheasant. Jill Pakenham.
Publication

Associations between gamebird releases and general predators

Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges for commercial shoots may be boosting numbers of the avian predators and scavengers.

Knot flock by Dawn Balmer
Publication

Waders wane while geese gain

A major new study led by BTO, working with the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) partners, JNCC, RSPB and in association with WWT, provides detailed information on the importance of Great Britain for...

Brown Hares, by John Harding
Publication

How birdwatchers can tell us about declining mammals

The UK’s mammals present particular challenges for monitoring; they live in a wide variety of habitats, vary enormously in size and can be very difficult to see, but as this paper shows,...

Chiffchaff by Paul Newton
Project

Take part in BBS - counting for conservation

The Breeding Bird Survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds.

Publication

Bird Trends 2015: trends in numbers, breeding success and survival for UK breeding birds

Publication

Horizon scanning for invasive alien species with the potential to threaten biodiversity in Great Britain

Publication

Increases in browsing deer depress woodland bird populations

Newly published work by BTO scientists in the Journal of Applied Ecology indicates that the increasing abundance of three widespread deer species is contributing to declines in breeding...