A list of UK BAP priority species was created between 1995
and 1999, and subsequently updated in response to the Species and Habitats
Review Report (PDF, 1.3Mb), published in 2007. UK
BAP priority species were those that were identified as being the
most threatened and requiring conservation action under the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). As a result of
devolution, and new country-level and international drivers and
requirements, much of the work previously carried out by the UK BAP
is now focussed at a country-level rather than a UK-level, and a
new 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework' has
recently (July 2012) been published. The UK BAP list of
priority species, however, remains an important reference source
and has been used to help draw up statutory lists of priorities in
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Vascular plants
The original UK Biodiversity Action
Plan (UK BAP) list of priority species, created between 1995 and
1999, included 60 vascular plant species for which Species Action
Plans (SAPs) existed, and an additional 28 species in Grouped
SAPs. In 2007, a
review of UK BAP
priority species and habitats (PDF, 1.3Mb) was completed, and
the
revised list contains 212 priority species of
vascular plants.
The UK BAP Vascular Plants Working
Group was responsible for input of advice to the Priority Species
and Habitats Review, which was completed in 2007. The group
consisted in representatives from the Country Agencies, Plantlife,
the Natural History Museum, the Biological Records Centre and the
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Non-vascular plants
Bryophytes
The original UK Biodiversity Action
Plan (UK BAP) list of priority species, created between 1995 and
1999, included 46 bryophyte species for which Species Action
Plans (SAPs) existed, with an additional 18 species possessing
Species Statements. In 2007, a
review of UK BAP
priority species and habitats (PDF, 1.3Mb) was completed, and
the
revised list contains 111 priority species of
bryophytes (listed here with other non-vascular
plants).
The Bryophyte BAP Technical
Committee was responsible for input of bryological advice to the
Priority Species and Habitats Review. It is supported by the
British Bryological
Society Conservation and Recording Committee.
Green algae (Stoneworts)
The original UK Biodiversity Action
Plan (UK BAP) list of priority species, created between 1995 and
1999, included 8 green algae (Stonewort) species for
which Species Action Plans (SAPs) existed, with an additional
4 species possessing Species Statements. All of these relate to
charophytes. In 2007, a
review of UK BAP
priority species and habitats (PDF, 1.3Mb) was completed, and
the
revised list contains 11 priority species
of green algae (listed here with other non-vascular
plants).
The Stoneworts BAP Working
Group, chaired by
Plantlife, was responsible
for input of advice on charophytes to the Priority Species and
Habitats Review.