NO
Biodiversity Intelligence Dashboard
Threatened
2,906
CR + EN + VU
Critically Endangered
799
CR
Endemic Threatened
38
Found only here
Declining
0%
0 species
Distribution of 2,906 threatened species
Threatened % by group
No threat data available
38 endemic threatened species found only here
CONSERVATION LEADERS
Key Conservation Organisations
Naturvernforbundet
Friends of the Earth Norway
Nature conservation and environmental protection
Protecting old-growth forests and advocating for expanded protected areas across Norway.
Visit websiteNINA (Norsk institutt for naturforskning)
Independent research institute
Applied ecological research
Conducting comprehensive research on Norwegian wildlife populations and ecosystem dynamics for conservation management.
Visit websiteNorsk Ornitologisk Forening (NOF)
BirdLife International partner
Bird conservation and ornithology
Leading bird monitoring programs and conservation of threatened species like the Arctic tern and white-tailed eagle.
Visit websiteSabima
Independent conservation organization
Biodiversity conservation and nature management
Advocating for stronger biodiversity policies and conducting research on ecosystem conservation in Norway.
Visit websiteWWF Norge
WWF International
Wildlife and habitat conservation
Leading conservation efforts for Arctic species including polar bears and marine ecosystems in the Barents Sea.
Visit websiteNotable Conservationists
Jon Swenson
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Large carnivore ecology
Leading the Scandinavian Brown Bear Research Project and advancing carnivore conservation strategies.
Kjetil Bevanger
NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)
Wildlife ecology and conservation biology
Extensive research on bird-power line interactions and wildlife corridor conservation in Norway.
Øystein Wiig
University of Oslo
Arctic wildlife conservation
Pioneering research on polar bear ecology and climate change impacts on Arctic marine mammals.
Reidar Hindrum
NINA
Large carnivore conservation
Leading research on brown bear ecology and human-wildlife conflict management in Scandinavia.
Torstein Storaas
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
Forest wildlife management
Research on capercaillie conservation and sustainable forest management practices for wildlife.
Source: Public records, institutional websites, published research
Outlook: Deteriorating
Norway's biodiversity spans Arctic tundra, boreal forests, coastal fjords, and marine ecosystems extending into the Arctic Ocean. The country's extensive coastline and archipelagos support diverse marine life, while its mountainous interior hosts specialized alpine species. According to IUCN Red List 2025 data, all 295 assessed species are classified as critically endangered, indicating severe conservation challenges across all taxonomic groups from Arctic marine mammals to specialized invertebrates. The Arctic regions face particular pressure from rapid warming, affecting sea ice-dependent species and altering marine food webs in the Barents Sea. Ocean acidification threatens Norway's extensive cold-water coral reefs, among the world's largest. Industrial activities including offshore petroleum extraction, aquaculture expansion, and shipping traffic create additional stressors on marine ecosystems. Climate-driven shifts in precipitation patterns affect boreal forest composition and alpine habitats. Norway has established extensive protected areas covering approximately 17% of its territory, including Svalbard's comprehensive conservation framework. The country leads international Arctic conservation initiatives and maintains strict regulations on marine protected areas. Norway's sovereign wealth fund has implemented environmental screening criteria, though petroleum revenues remain central to the economy. The Nature Diversity Act provides legal framework for ecosystem-based management, while ongoing monitoring programs track changes in Arctic and marine environments.
Key Biomes & Ecosystems
Conservation Achievements
Norway has achieved notable conservation success through its comprehensive protected area network, particularly in Svalbard where strict environmental protocols govern all activities. The country's marine protected areas in the Lofoten Islands and cold-water coral conservation efforts represent global leadership in Arctic marine conservation. Norway's participation in international agreements like the Svalbard Treaty demonstrates commitment to transboundary conservation, while its advanced environmental monitoring systems provide crucial data for Arctic climate research and species tracking.
Source: IUCN Red List 2025-2, GBIF, national survey data