NO

1,400 threatened species · Biodiversity Intelligence Dashboard

Threatened Species

1,400

CR + EN + VU

Critically Endangered

211

Highest risk

Endangered

394

Very high risk

Vulnerable

795

High risk

Declining

8%

107 species

Category Breakdown
CR 211
EN 394
VU 795
CR: 211
EN: 394
VU: 795

Critically Endangered

21115%

Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered

39428%

Very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable

79557%

High risk of extinction in the wild.

Threatened total — 1,400 species

Species by Group
🐾

mammals

11

11 threatened

🐦

birds

28

28 threatened

🐢

reptiles

2

2 threatened

🐸

amphibians

1

1 threatened

🐟

fishes

32

32 threatened

🦗

insects

798

798 threatened

🌱

plants

121

121 threatened

Global Share

2.56%

of globally threatened species

Country Rank

#23

of 277 countries

Endemic Threatened

15

Found only here

Conservation Outlook

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.

Arctic TundraBoreal ForestCold-water Coral ReefsCoastal FjordsAlpine EcosystemsArctic Marine
Top Threats
1.Habitat fragmentation189 species
2.Agricultural intensification118 species
3.Agricultural intensification and pesticide use110 species
4.Urban development and infrastructure expansion89 species
5.Habitat loss and fragmentation84 species
6.Water pollution from agricultural runoff67 species
7.Urban and residential development62 species
8.Habitat loss from agricultural intensification57 species

Protected Areas

52 areas · 311,790 km²

How to Cite

IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS

GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org

This page: SpeciesRadar (2026). NO: Biodiversity Dashboard. SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/countries/NO

Species counts reflect IUCN Red List threatened categories (CR, EN, VU). · Full citation guide & data usage terms

Frequently asked questions

How many threatened species are in NO?
NO has 1,400 threatened species recorded in the SpeciesRadar database — 211 of those are Critically Endangered (CR), facing an extremely high risk of extinction. The figures combine IUCN Red List data with national red list assessments where available.
What is the most endangered species in NO?
Among the 211 Critically Endangered species in NO, Fil de fer (Lymexylon navale) is one of the most at-risk — featured prominently on the country dashboard. The full list of CR species is filterable on the country page.
What protected areas exist in NO?
NO has 52 protected areas catalogued in SpeciesRadar, sourced from WDPA and national designations. Notable sites include North and Central Svalbard, Lofoten Islands Marine Protected Area, Abisko National Park, Anderdalen National Park, Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park and 47 others.