Reptile translocation - UPDATE

Will that would be one way to go. Why not get those groups together and add, Bat Groups, Badger Groups, Mammal experts and any group/expert in any field who can say distant translocation is not the way to go. Why not add a petition too so all of us small voices can join in.

I think it was around 10 years ago I figured land banks were a possible solution to the continued problem faced by consultants of not being able to locate suitable receptor sites. So I'm not really surprised that we now have this company. I also figured out the problems it could cause and feel it needs to be regulated. We don't want a situation for example where land prospectors see this as a new opportunity to make some cash before eventually selling the land for development and I certainly do not want to see further long distant translocations of reptiles on a huge scale. It appears to me this was a case of the land was already available in Wiltshire so Wiltshire was an easy option for the developer/consultant but not a desirable one from a conservation point of view. We need a rule that these companies operate at no more than county level and preferably operate to best practice guidelines where translocation is a last resort and very local.

 

Edited by GemmaJF

Petition (wording)

'We call on the government to introduce strict guidelines
(or legislation) to regulate the emerging Biodiversity
banking industry in the UK

In particular, measures should be implemented in relation
to priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
to ensure that local conservation status (or favourable
conservation status) is maintained through such schemes

All Biodiversity banking/Conservation Credit schemes
should demonstrate that they fulfil the current best
practice guidelines prior to them being approved.

In relation to the widespread species of reptiles -
translocations should be the last resort and any such
scheme should have a minimum of 21 years post development
monitoring (in perpetuity)


Feel free to amend - shred to pieces etc

Regards

Hi Rob

That's the point the best practice does not say it is
okay to move animals hundreds of miles out of their local
area.

The gateway project did not meet the 2nd aim of a reptile
mitigation project as stipulated in Natural England's own
guidance.

The great crested newts were kept in Essex - in fact on
adjacent land bought up were at least 35 ponds were
created.

probably 100,000 smooth newts were kept in Essex, water
voles were moved to save them from rising sea levels
according to the Essex Wildlife Trust.

I look forward to other views on the petition wording

I agree with Rob regarding the NE involvement, it's all part of a wider picture and NE need to wake up regarding this sort of badly thought out project.

This particular project might be the focus of this thread, the focus though of a petition needs to be much wider and address more than just long distance translocation of reptiles.

Agreed Will it would be very interesting to see what happens in some cases but a joined up approach is exactly what I was thinking of. It may well be each group can add specific wording or quote existing specific guidelines too to cover their own interest area.

I've no doubt we won't prevent this new industry, but we can all try and make sure it works within reasonable guidelines.

Your post is also why I thought a petition was a good idea. When I talk to people for example Wildlilfe Trust volunteers... they are often very aware of these sorts of issues and might well sign a petition, when for example their organisation might be reluctant to get involved. (or simply not understand the issue or just say no to be awkward)

Also don't forget consultants, we are not all entirely clueless!

Edited by GemmaJF