About the content
Male ladybird spider Eresus sandaliatus © P Spaans
A large task
There are an estimated 80,000 species of multi-cellular animals, plants and fungi in the British Isles, as well as numerous single-celled organisms. Recording and tracking these species is essential for monitoring the UK’s natural environment.
The task is made more difficult by the fact that many of these organisms have at least two names: a scientific one and a common name, as well as regional names and synonyms. The correct scientific name can also change through time as science progresses and the relationships between species are clarified.
Continually evolving
The Dictionary of UK species is not a single checklist, biological records can be stored with their original determinations and re-determinations may be added.
Contributions from individuals and researchers are welcomed and as such the Dictionary of UK species relies on countless hours of work by those who have compiled the lists. In recognition of this, the authors and compilers of the various data sets are fully acknowledged throughout.
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Contributors
Find out which organisations and individuals have contributed data and advice to the Dictionary of UK species.
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Limitations of the Dictionary
Learn more about the limitations of the Dictionary of UK species.