This report reviews the available
information concerning translocations, as background for a future
policy statement to be drawn up by the statutory UK conservation
agencies (the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, English Nature,
Scottish Natural Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales and
the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland).
Translocations of species for conservation reasons in the UK
include reintroduction, population supplementation, sowing and
planting for habitat restoration, and relocation of populations and
of species assemblages.
Non-conservation translocations for commercial, amenity and
aesthetic reasons are carried out using native and non-native
species, and genetically modified organisms.
Precise definitions of the different types of translocation
are given, as well as other important terms used in the
review.
Four subject areas are covered in separate chapters: species
native to the UK, species not native to the UK, genetically
modified organisms, and species assemblages. The types of
translocations carried out within the subject area are reviewed and
representative case studies are presented.
A set of definitions of genetic, species and ecosystem
biodiversity are determined, and are used as a framework with which
to assess the environmental effects of each type of
translocation.
For all types of translocation, the adverse effects on
biodiversity are assessed using the case studies. For conservation
translocations, the factors affecting the success and benefits of
the translocation are determined as well.
Existing policies and guidelines of UK and international
organisations relating to each type of translocation are summarised
and assessed in the light of the reviews of case studies.
UK and European legislation and international conventions
relevant to translocations in the UK are also summarised and
possible improvements are suggested which would allow better
regulation and the amelioration of adverse effects on
biodiversity.
While certain types of translocation are well regulated in the
UK (e.g. GMO release, release of non-resident alien animals),
others poorly covered by legislative controls are translocation of
most native species, release of most alien plants or animals
resident in the UK and control of problem alien species.
Some areas require a revision or coordination of the approach
to the regulatory process: GMO releases, translocation of species
assemblages, release of non-native species.
Areas requiring further research are highlighted, and these
illustrate a need for more coordinated and structured monitoring
and databasing of current and future translocations.
A major aspect of any translocation must be consideration of
the maximum benefit to biodiversity and/or the minimum risk of
adverse impacts. It is recommended that project planning and risk
and 'benefits' assessment procedures should be carried out before
any translocation takes place.
It is recommended that the formulation of new policy and
guidelines by the statutory conservation agencies should involve
other UK and international organisations involved in carrying out,
advising on, or licensing translocations.