Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Fifth Report - Species Reintroduction
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 849
Published 11 July 2023
Recommendations
2
Accepted in Part
Introduce clear interim species abundance targets with biennial reporting, informing committee by December
Recommendation
The Government should introduce clear interim species abundance targets and reporting mechanisms to record progress every two years towards species abundance goals outlined in the Environment Act. It should inform us of those targets by December
Government Response Summary
The government states it published interim species targets in January as required by the Environment Act, but found it difficult to set a specific target to reduce species abundance decline by 2028. It also deemed 2-year reporting impractical, and is reviewing other short-term metrics for measuring progress.
21
Accepted in Part
Require risk assessments and management plans before granting protected status to species.
Recommendation
If a reintroduced species is to be given protected status (as in the case of beavers), a risk assessment and management plan should be in place in advance of the protected status being granted. The protected status of beavers should …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it published management and licensing guidance for beavers ahead of protected status, including a management hierarchy. However, it rejects a review of protected status by the England Species Reintroductions Taskforce, stating it is too soon and the taskforce has no formal role in such decisions.