Species re-introduction must take into account livestock impact, NPA tells MPs

The NPA has responded to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee inquiry into species re-introduction. 

The Committee is looking at how the process could support Defra’s plans to tackle biodiversity loss and address other environmental challenges such as climate adaptation and controlling invasive species. The inquiry is also considering how to manage potential conflicts that species re-introductions can cause with other land-users and local communities.

In our response, we stated that the NPA not oppose species re-introduction in general but any schemes must take into account the potential impact on local livestock populations and associated businesses.

Threats include predation and spread of disease and, therefore, we would expect licensing authorities to carry out robust risk assessments and ensure that any scheme that is granted permission is monitored closely to understand the impact on the local environment over a suitable period of time.

We would also expect that any scheme should have contingency plans in place and ready actions to mitigate any issues should adverse outcomes be experienced.

You can read the full response HERE.