Species become extinct because their habitats are destroyed, alien species are introduced, excessive quanteties are harvested, or illegal harvesting and trade take place. The number of of individuals and species varies in place with wild processes, and these natural fluctuations are essential to maintain the interplay in nature. Some of the impacts brought by man may, however, lead to irreparable damage.

DN makes effort to prevent species from becoming extinct and to ensure the continued existence of viable populations of harvestable species. Special focus is placed on members of the deer family, predators and salmonids.

DN publishes the National Red List of Endangered Species, a survey of animals and plants that are concidered to be endangered, vulnerable or rare in Norway, or that have already become extinct here. The Direcorate also helps to monitor and map status of some of these species.