Before getting too deeply involved in the issues that need to be considered when selecting a reptile receptor area, it is important to consider the current use of the land.
As previously indicated, IUCN has given some basic criteria that should be considered when translocating species into areas within their existing species range ('restocking').
Of course, most UK widespread reptile translocation work is undertaken to mitigate for impacts caused by commercial projects. They are not conservation projects, although they may include some objectives that aspire to conservation ideals.
Frequently, ex situ receptor site locations may be suggested by a developer, their land agent or even the local planning authority. In these cases, the consultant may be under considerable pressure to agree to the use of a site that may already be managed for other conservation purposes. Such sites include local nature reserves, country parks or other areas of public open space.
If a site that is already being managed to promote its biodiversity interest is being considered as an ex situ receptor site, then the IUCN guidelines should be included within the appraisal process. A nature reserve or country park where a particular reptile species is absent must be very carefully scrutinised before any new animals are released. It is important to understand why the target reptile species is absent or, if present, why populations are low. If the target species is present, what conservation objectives will be achieved by releasing new animals there? Could the resident population be better served by more sympathetic habitat management, either within the site or on adjacent land? IUCN are quite clear that restocking should only be considered if it is not possible to expand existing populations through other means:
Before deciding if restocking is necessary, the capacity of the area it is proposed to restock should be investigated to assess if the level of the population desired is sustainable. If it is, then further work should be undertaken to discover the reasons for the existing low population levels. Action should then be taken to help the resident population expand to the desired level. Only if this fails should restocking be used.
Reptile populations that occur within nature reserves should be managed through direct habitat manipulation. They should not be the target of translocation projects unless reptile conservation objectives cannot be achieved by other means. An example of this could be a site that is isolated by habitat unsuitable for reptiles. If the habitat outside the reserve cannot be brought into favourable management to facilitate natural recolonisation then restocking may be appropriate - providing the site is large enough to support a sustainable breeding population.
Deciding whether a site is made available for translocation is a decision that must be made by the landowner and/or landmanager. One thing is certain, it is never acceptable to deliberately manage a protected area so that it is unsuitable for reptiles just so the land can then be used to meet the needs of a future commercial translocation project.
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