Publication of the 2026 Revised Invasive Species List
Overview
The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries revised the “List of Invasive Alien Species That May Harm Japan’s Ecosystems and Other Environments,” published in 2015, based on a review by experts in biology and related fields, and published it as the second edition. In addition to reviewing the category classifications and adding reference information, the number of listed species increased from 429 to 596. The results of the public comment process conducted from April 2 to May 1, 2026, are also being published.
Key points
- The invasive species list was revised and published as its second edition.
- The category classifications were reviewed, and reference information items were added.
- The number of listed species increased from 429 to 596.
- The number of listed species increased by approximately 1.4 times, an increase of 167 species.
Overview
The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reviewed the “List of Invasive Alien Species That May Harm Japan’s Ecosystems and Other Environments,” published in 2015, starting in fiscal year 2023 based on the latest invasion status of invasive alien species and the status of damage to ecosystems and other environments, with the participation of experts in biology and related fields. Based on the results of the review, they compiled and published the second edition.
Impact
This list is intended to serve as basic reference material for the national government, local governments, businesses, researchers, and the public when advancing measures against invasive alien species.
Details
In the category classifications, “Invasive Alien Species for Preventing Establishment” was changed to “Invasive Alien Species for Preventing Introduction and Establishment,” and “Other Invasive Alien Species for Preventing Establishment” was changed to “Invasive Alien Species for Preventing Establishment.” In addition, “Invasive Alien Species for Comprehensive Measures” was changed from three categories based on priority of measures to two categories: “Invasive Alien Species for Promoting Control” and “Invasive Alien Species for Considering Control.” Reference information such as “Related Infectious Diseases,” “Control Examples,” and “Positioning under Other Laws and Regulations” was also added. The increase in the number of listed species resulted from adding new invasive alien species and alien species originating within Japan, among others, based on the accumulation of knowledge.
The list and its accompanying materials can be viewed on the “Invasive Species List for Preventing Ecological Damage” website. A summary of the public comment results, along with a list of the comments and the government’s views on those comments, was also published.