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GUIDELINES, PROS & CONS.

DEREK MOORE

There is perhaps no subject likely to stir the various emotions of conservationists than talk of re-introducing a species long lost in the UK. Dreamers long for the days of wolves, bears and wild boars once again roaming the British countryside whilst others plead for a more cautious approach. Landowners and farmers more than flinch at the prospect of damage to crops, livestock and odd threats to exotic game birds. The nature conservation bodies of the UK stand firmly behind the recommendations of the IUCN where re-introductions are concerned. We have just examined their Definition of Terms and Aims and Objectives of Re-introduction.

I do not wish to steal the thunder of colleagues here or pre-empt what they may have to say. I want to examine where we might be today on this emotive subject and examine opportunities for the future. I want to ask questions rather than answer them. I am hoping we might have some constructive answers by the end of the conference.

When thinking of re-introducing a species the first consideration might be just to step back and think what the UK looked like when last the species roamed our land. Many of our most exciting mammals were lost hundreds of years ago when there would certainly have been a much smaller human population, not the hordes we have today. There would certainly have been very substantial tracts of pristine habitat, maybe already showing signs of human influence but, nevertheless, nothing like the huge areas of sterile agricultural land found particularly in lowland Britain today. There must have been thousands of acres of mountains and lakes, rivers and floodplains containing a mosaic of wetland biotypes and ancient deciduous and native coniferous wildwood. The conditions then bore no resemblance to what we have at present. I believe this is an essential point when considering any re-introduction. In short, do we have the habitat? Do we have enough of the habitat to sustain a population of whatever we which to bring back? How far back in time should we go?

First let us examine the possible thoughts of the general public. Do they know what species are native, re-introduced or merely feral escapes of exotic origin? How many of the British public knows that pheasants were introduced, probably in the 11th century? How many realise that red-legged partridges, little owls and rabbits were all brought to this country and released and are not part of our native fauna? More modern escapes from collections such as Canada geese, ruddy ducks, grey squirrels, muntjac and American mink are better understood. Some of these species are known to be detrimental to native European species but uproar occurs at the thought of eliminating them for the benefit of creatures that we should be conserving. Will increasing numbers of Egyptian geese be the next problem? I believe the public is confused and we need their support if we are to pursue genuine re-introduction programmes.

There have been some ad hoc attempts at re-introduction over the years, some of which have been lacking in science and thought. The effort by wildfowlers to bring back greylag geese, often to areas where they may have

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not been found naturally has caused concern. Populations of this species are increasing and are arguably more welcome than Canada geese. Much irresponsible keeping of wildfowl has not only led to the colonisation of exotic species but the establishment of feral breeding populations of birds such as barnacle geese found in the UK as migrants or wintering visitors. Is this a problem?

Many conservation bodies are encouragingly using large herbivores to assist with the management of larger reserves. We need to make sure that animals like tarpan horses from Poland and even Asian water buffalo are regarded as managed domestic stock and not seen as being part of our natural fauna.

There have been some significant re-introduction schemes in recent years. The capercaillie was brought back to the Scottish Highlands in the early part of this century but is now once again in serious decline. More recent efforts have been spectacularly successful; the red kite population previously confined to mid Wales has now been extended to one or two parts of England and also Scotland. White-tailed eagles are once again flying around Scottish coasts and soon ospreys may extend their range to the English midlands after a lengthy translocation project. The latter has been a little controversial given the extensive global range and healthy numbers of this spectacular bird.

In Suffolk natterjack toads have successfully been brought back to heathland areas. An interesting story is that of the pool frog. Originally considered an exotic no efforts were made to arrest its decline until only one male was left. Then skeletal remains of this species were discovered in the excavations at Flag Fen near Peterborough, which suggested that this species was native to the UK. This news was received too late to save native stock. Any re-introduction of this species will now have to come from foreign sources.

Otters have made a significant comeback into many areas where previously lost. Better awareness amongst landowners and wetland managers as well as proactive management of their habitats has played a big part in this success. There is also no doubt in my mind that the releases by the Otter Trust were essential in achieving such spectacular results. The Biodiversity Action Plan group for this species now recommends that no further releases of this species are necessary.

We have recently heard of the successful relocation of lady’s slipper orchids from seed gathered from our only wild plant. If successful this could create many opportunities for our scarce and extinct plants given that good habitats are in existence or can be created. I am informed that fen orchids have been brought back to Suffolk by the Wildlife Trust and Species Recovery Programme of English Nature.

So what can we do in the future? Could large mammals exist again in the UK? If you believe the many press stories of large cats like pumas being at large in our countryside then perhaps there is a chance, although the pumas would have to go first.

Many visionary conservationists are already planning some large habitat creations. Stimulated by areas such as Oostvaardesplassen in South Flevoland in the Netherlands many consider that given the large population of that

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country crowded in to an area roughly the size of East Anglia it should be possible to emulate this 7000 hectare site.

If we can create large areas of wetland, heathland, woodland and grassland then maybe there is a chance. Beavers have been brought back throughout most of their former European range. Plans for a re-introduction in Scotland are planned for 2002. Rumours persist of a significant population of wild boars in southern England having escaped from commercial farms. If arguments can be reconciled that the elk once occurred in Britain then this could be an acceptable natural grazer of extensive wetland areas. Some colleagues and opponents of bringing back some of the more spectacular species have suggested to achieve the correct balance we need to re-introduce lost predators in parallel. So maybe wolves might make it after all. Finally, one of the great European success in recent years has been the re-establishment of European bison to many areas. Could this majestic creature be a feature of large new deciduous forest areas created in lowland Britain?

I have purposely dwelled largely on the large and spectacular especially to stir your emotions. There are many more opportunities for bringing back lost species of invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and plants. We are signed up to enhancing the biodiversity of our islands. Surely we should make every effort to protect the habitats and species we already have and strive to return to our land those plants and animals that have a real chance of re-establishing their populations?

IUCN GUIDELINES FOR RE-INTRODUCTIONS

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Re-introduction – an attempt to establish a species in an area which was once part of its historical range, but from which it has been extirpated or become extinct. (“Re-establishment” is a synonym, but implies that the re-introduction has been successful).

Translocation – deliberate and mediated movement of wild individuals to an existing population of conspecifics.

Re-enforcement/Supplementation – addition of individuals to an existing population of conspecifics.

Conservation/Benign Introductions – an attempt to establish a species, for the purpose of conservation, outside its recorded distribution but within an appropriate habitat and eco-geographical area. This is a feasible conservation tool only when there is no remaining area left within a species’ historic range.

Derek Moore OBE Director of Conservation, The Wildlife Trusts Crosslands Cage Lane Boxted Cross Colchester Essex C04 5RE