4 Rejected

Failure to provide priority species list hinders biodiversity and reintroduction strategy

Conclusion
Despite assurances by the Minister that we would be provided a list of priority species for reintroduction in June, in a letter to the Committee on 14 June the Minister said that the Department does not prioritise species but that she would discuss the information that could be provided with the Chair of the England Species Reintroductions Taskforce. We were disappointed not to receive this list, which we consider essential as a starting point for a broader species reintroduction strategy. Without this, the current passive and piecemeal approach will hinder meeting the Government’s species abundance targets and risk further damaging biodiversity.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the idea of producing a list of priority species for reintroduction or a reintroduction strategy, stating that reintroduction is not a government priority.
Paragraph Reference
18
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government Rejected
Given that reintroduction is not a priority for the government, we will not be producing a strategy or a list of priority species for reintroduction. Proposals for reintroductions, and the suitability of the species proposed and associated risks, are highly dependent on the specific circumstances in which they are made. For example, the existing species assemblage, environmental conditions and socio-economic circumstances will all be factors and significantly influence decisions as to whether it is appropriate to reintroduce a species in a particular location or locations. We have set out best practice guidance in the government’s Code for Reintroductions which has been published on gov.uk alongside information on applying for a licence as appropriate.
Timeline
Recommendation age 2.9 yrs
Report published 11 Jul 2023