Apply species identification skills

This standard covers the application of species identification skills. Species identification is described by the Linnaean Society as, "working out what an organism is".

This standard is about the fundamental principles and procedures involved in making accurate and precise identifications of species (either fauna or flora) across all environments: terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine. It can be applied to native and non-native (i.e. alien species) species.

The characteristics of each species provide the tools for conservationists to identify them based on their taxonomy and environment. There are a range of techniques and tools required for correct species identification. Tools include the use of microscopes, field guides, technological equipment (e.g. sonar), keys (e.g. dichotomous, lateral), sound recording (e.g. bird, whale calls) and field signs.

Species identification skills form the basis of scientific enquiry and the conservation and management of biodiversity, which help, for example to inform key development and policy decisions.

You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of its impact on the environment.

This standard is suitable for ecologists and those who work in environmental conservation. Users of this standard are not expected to be expert in every species but are more likely to specialise in one or more habitat groups.

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1. clarify the purpose and scope of the species identification activity
2. clarify any relevant site or species restrictions or designations that are in place
3. confirm that you have any necessary permissions, consents or specific licences for both site access and species field data collection work
4. select and use equipment and resources for the identification of species safely and correctly, and comply with any restrictions or legislative constraints specified within the area of work
5. confirm that you are aware of, have access to, and know how to use, the relevant sources of information to aid species identification
6. use the location of the site (e.g. its geographical location, altitude), the time of year, any present and historical, natural and man-made influences upon the site and the ground and habitat types to help indicate the likely species that are to be found
7. identify indicator species that could infer the presence/absence of other associated species
8. apply identification skills to identify species
9. record the relevant details to help confirm species identification, collecting specimens or samples where required
10. handle any species safely in the required manner and in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and codes of practice
11. maintain biosecurity throughout your work
12. correctly apply the conventions for naming species
13. identify factors that might influence the reliability and accuracy of correct species identification
14. recognise the limits of your expertise and seek advice or validation where necessary
15. take the required action when protected or invasive, non-native species are identified
16. follow the relevant protocols, codes of conduct and legislation when carrying out species identification
17. carry out activities in a manner that causes minimal disturbance to the habitat and surrounding environment
18. carry out all work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation

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1. the purpose and scope of the species identification activity
2. the equipment and resources required for species identification
3. the relevant sources of information that can be used to aid identification and how to use these
4. the implications of relevant site restrictions or designations that are in place
5. the importance of having the relevant permissions, consents or licenses for both site access and species data collection
6. how the location of the site (e.g. its geographical location, altitude), the time of year, the present and historical, natural and man-made influences upon the site and the ground and habitat types may help indicate likely species that are to be found
7. the species likely to be found in different types of habitat, their sounds, tracks, trails and signs
8. how to apply species identification skills to identify species at different stages of growth and at different times of the year
9. the hazards associated with handling species and the safe working practices, relevant legal requirements and codes of practice
10. the importance of maintaining biosecurity when carrying out your work and the methods for achieving this
11. the key characteristics of the main representative species within taxonomic groups or phyla and the associated conventions for species nomenclature
12. how to use relevant keys and techniques to identify species
13. how to record relevant details to confirm species identification
14. the limits of your own expertise and where to seek advice
15. the importance of getting species identification validated
16. the action to take when protected or invasive, non-native species are identified, the organisational and relevant legal requirements for this and the possible consequences of not taking action
17. the potential impact of your activities on the habitat and surrounding environment and how to minimise this
18. the relevant legislation, protocols, codes of conduct and requirements of your organisation when carrying out species identification and recording
19. how to record the relevant details and the agencies to supply records to
20. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation

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Invasive, non-native species - A list of high priority species is available on the GB National Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Invasive Species Ireland websites together with advice on action to take and a system to report findings.

Monitoring: repeated observations building up a picture that can detect change and trigger action

Possible action to take when protected or invasive non-native species are identified:

• report
• surveillance
• monitoring
• management

Species found in terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems include:

• algae
• fungi
• plants, ranging from "lower order" mosses and liverworts to grasses and trees
• invertebrates
• reptiles and amphibians
• fish (marine, freshwater and molluscs)
• birds
• vertebrates, including mammals
• protected species
• non-native invasive species
• noxious weeds

Survey: a one-off activity to collect data for a prescribed purpose e.g. baseline survey

Surveillance: a repeated survey building up a picture that can detect change but does not trigger action

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2

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2025

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANEnC33

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Ecologist

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5119

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species; identification; taxonomy; nomenclature; non-native; invasive

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