Report Sightings

Records of non-native species help us understand how wildlife is changing. They allow us to track the spread of non-native plants and animals present across the island of Ireland and in our seas.

Ireland has a long history of wildlife recording. Volunteers and enthusiasts have been collecting information about plants and animals.

Today, anyone can help. Online recording websites and smartphone apps make it easy to report sightings of non-native species.

Where to send your records

You can report any non-native species using the online invasive species recording form

If possible, include a photograph of the species. Photos help experts confirm the identification.

Some species also have dedicated recording schemes. These use specific apps or websites to collect sightings. See the list of apps and websites below.

Species to record

The National Biodiversity Data Centre welcomes and encourages reporting of all non-native species found in Ireland. For every additional record submitted to the National Invasive Species Database, a clearer picture of the status of that invasive species in Ireland is generated.

One group of species that is most valuable to help protect native species and habitats are early sightings of new high risk invasive species, or species that are just starting to spread.

Reporting these species quickly provides an early warning. This can help prevent a potentially invasive species from becoming established.

Our Alert Page on this website highlights some of the species we are actively encouraging early detection.

Asian Hornet Reporter

In March 2026, the National Biodiversity Data Centre launched a new recording system for Asian hornet in Ireland.

You can access this system here: https://invasives.ie/asianhornetreporter

 

Guidance if you want to submit many records

Please download Excel template, complete and submit by e-mail to [email protected] OR

E-mail already digitised records in Excel (format all cells to text).

Other formats are also accepted such as GIS but please contact the Data Centre prior to submission.

 

Other species specific reporting systems active in Ireland

Under development

 

Sightings in Northern Ireland

To report an invasive species sighting in Northern Ireland, go to: https://invasivespeciesni.co.uk/report-sighting