Identify species

This standard covers identifying species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. It can be applied to both flora and fauna (including protected, non-native and noxious species) and across a wide range of settings. Species identification is important to the conservation of biodiversity and to economic production. The standard complements those for surveys.

You are expected to work in a safe and effective way, recognising when advice or further information is required, and also to seek required permissions, consents or licences for both access and species work.

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

The standard is for a wide range of staff, including rangers, gamekeepers, ecologists, landscapers, grounds maintenance, construction workers, farmers, growers, and professional advisers.

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1. prepare the equipment and resources required for the identification of various species
2. confirm you have access to relevant sources of information to aid identification
3. clarify any relevant site restrictions or designations in place
4. confirm you have any required permissions, consents or licences
5. use the geographical location of the site to help indicate likely species to be found, taking into account the time of year
6. establish the current or previous use of the site to help indicate the likely species to be found
7. identify habitat types to help indicate likely species to be found
8. identify indicator species, tracks, trails or signs
9. handle any species safely in an appropriate manner and in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements
10. observe necessary biosecurity measures
11. record details to support species identification e.g. photograph, notes, measurements
12. use relevant sources of information to identify and name species
13. recognise the limits of your authority and expertise and seek advice or confirmation where necessary
14. carry out activities in a manner that causes minimal disturbance to the habitat and surrounding environment
15. follow protocols, codes of conduct and legislation relevant to the collection of wildlife data
16. carry out all activities 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 equipment and resources required for species identification
2. the possible sources of information that can be used to aid identification and how to use these
3. the implications of relevant site restrictions or designations in place
4. the importance of having the relevant permissions, consents or licences
5. how geographical location, time of year and current or previous use of the site can help indicate the likely species to be found
6. the species likely to be found in different types of habitat, their tracks, trails and signs
7. the hazards associated with handling species, safe working practices and any legal requirements
8. the importance of biosecurity and appropriate biosecurity measures for the site
9. how to record relevant details to support species identification
10. the limits of your authority and expertise and the relevant sources of advice
11. the findings that should be reported and the best way to do this
12. the potential impact of your activities on the habitat and surrounding environment and how to minimise these
13. the protocols, codes of conduct and legislation relevant to the collection of wildlife data
14. 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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Tracks, Trails and Signs

• Tracks, trails and signs are commonly used to help identify or confirm the presence of animals, particularly mammals, in the absence of physical sightings. They include footprints, runs, habitat disturbance, shelter (e.g. burrow), dead animals (including prey), sounds, smells, droppings, and skeletal remains and their sources (e.g. owl pellets)

Various species 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

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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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LANEnC8

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Access Officer, Conservation Officer, Ecologist, Environmental Management Officer, Estate Worker, Gardener, Greenkeeper, Groundsman, Landscaper, Manager of Volunteers, Park Ranger, Ranger

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9119

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species; recognise; identify; plants; animals; invasive species

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