Sensitive species data
Sensitive species data is location-based information about selected species where the site is shielded from the public. The reason is that open access can lead to disturbance, illegal collection, persecution or damage to the habitat. The list typically covers nesting sites for birds of prey such as hubro (eagle owl), kongeørn (golden eagle) and jaktfalk (gyrfalcon), growing sites for rare orchids, and breeding areas for selected mammals and lichens.
The national list is managed by Artsdatabanken (the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre) under the guidelines for handling sensitive species information, prepared together with Miljødirektoratet (the Norwegian Environment Agency). The list is updated regularly based on a technical assessment of the threats to each species. For species that are not on the list, records are freely available through Artskart and Naturbase at Miljødirektoratet.
The shielding does not stand in the way of access where there is a documented professional need. Public planning authorities, consultants working for developers and others with a need can gain access by applying to Statsforvalteren (the county governor) or Miljødirektoratet. The interests of the species are assessed under naturmangfoldloven (the Nature Diversity Act), in particular the environmental law principles in sections 8 to 12 and the precautionary requirement in section 9. In practice, such records are clarified early in the planning process and can result in an adjusted plan boundary, building lines, time limits on the construction period (for example the nesting season) or other mitigating measures in the zoning plan.
For a developer, the consequence of a sensitive species record in a plan area is that the impact assessment and the dialogue with the environmental authorities become heavier, and that the plan proposal can be met with an objection if the interests are not sufficiently safeguarded. It is therefore worth checking known occurrences early, both in open datasets and through advance contact with Statsforvalteren.
In Placepoint, openly available species data from Artskart and Naturbase is available as map layers under Nature. Shielded sensitive sites are not shown; for these, access must be applied for from the relevant authority.
How the dataset appears in the map
The dataset is part of the map layer Nature as Sensitive Species Data:
From Placepoint's dictionary: Sensitive species data
More information: Artsdatabanken: sensitive species, Lovdata: naturmangfoldloven, Miljødirektoratet
English: Sensitive species data (access-restricted records of vulnerable species locations).
Frequently asked questions
What is sensitive species data?
Sensitive species data is location-based information about threatened, protected or responsibility species that is shielded from general public access. Openness can harm the species through disturbance, persecution or destruction of habitat.
Why is species data shielded?
Species data is shielded because open access to the location, for example nesting sites for threatened birds of prey or growing sites for rare plants, can attract unwelcome visitors and put the species at risk.
Can developers get access to sensitive species data?
You can apply for access to sensitive species data from Statsforvalteren or Miljødirektoratet. Access is granted where there is a documented need, such as a formal planning process.
What does sensitive species data mean for a development project?
Records of sensitive species can affect development options considerably. An impact assessment and mitigating measures may be required, and in serious cases the plan area may have to be adjusted.
Where can I find publicly available species data?
Publicly available species data is found in Artsdatabanken's Artskart and Naturbase. Sensitive species data is available only after a specific access application to the authorities concerned.