Europe and Overseas

Particularly through our association with the Societas Europaea Herpetologica’s conservation committee (SEH) and the IUCN we have promoted and co-ordinated conservation work on amphibians and reptiles throughout Europe.  We have worked closely with the Council of Europe providing significant support to the Amphibian and Reptile Expert Group of the ‘Bern Convention’ on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats.  Through these associations we have been involved with the production of action plans for some of Europe’s most threatened herpetofauna.  We have also used our influence in Europe to effect positive conservation in the UK.  Perhaps most noticeably the success of Recommendation 67 through the Bern Convention has identified some specific actions needed to further the conservation of Dorset’s heathlands.

Europe

Influencing European Policy

• In Europe the Trust supports the work of Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH) and provides representatives to attend meetings on their behalf. 

• SEH is a member of a European Non-Governmental network of environmental organisations called the European Habitats Forum (EHF - see Downloads), which is actively engaged in working with the European Commission, and notably the Directorate General for the Environment (DG Environment) and the member States of the European Union at a European level. 

• The Trust provides representatives for this network, and in particular with regards to work on species protection through the EC Habitats Directive and specific input on herpetofauna issues – such as the pan-European designated sites network (‘Natura 2000’). 

• Again through the SEH’s conservation committee, The HCT has had a long involvement with the Council of Europe’s Convention on the conservation of European species and habitats (the ‘Berne Convention’).  We have promoted conservation measures throughout Europe, looking at amphibians and reptiles and their habitats through this convention and as a leading member of the ‘Herpetofauna Experts Group’. 

• Through the Berne Convention and the European Commission we have promoted the development of European Species Action Plans and, on contract to the Berne Convention via SEH, have authored species action plans for five European priority species.

We are a member of the European Habitats Forum which provides input directly to the EU’s Environment Directorate (DG XI).  Accordingly we have been able to use this forum to provide input to, and gain feedback from, the various Biogeographic Zone meetings at which the Natura 2000 series was discussed.

We have worked closely with the Duchas, the Heritage Service in Eire, helping with the conservation of Natterjack Toads in County Kerry. 

UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and Sovereign Base Areas:

Introduction

The “UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and Sovereign Base Areas” are a number of small, self-governing territories and dependencies around the world, plus two large military training areas on Cyprus, that remain under the jurisdiction of the UK or the British Crown. These are listed here. Occurring in a wide range of regions and climatic zones, these “territories” include many different habitat types and, between them, support a remarkable wealth of biodiversity that includes a high proportion of endemic species. Fifteen of these territories support a total of 132 indigenous (19 amphibian and 113 reptile) and 45 introduced species (11 amphibian and 34 reptile); four have no herpetofauna at all.

HCT’s activities

With the financial support of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the HCT are currently developing a complete species inventory and overview of conservation and research priorities for the herpetofauna in the territories. A working document has been produced (dated March 2009) and is available here as a download, along with notes for contributors ; while this serves as a valuable resource, it is not complete and has not yet received comments from appropriate experts or contacts within the territories. There is a consultation period on this where comments are sought to contribute to a revision running to 30th June 2009. Please pass comments via our email form here . There is a consultation period on this where comments are sought to contribute to a revision running to 30^th June 2009, for details on how to contribute click here.  Please pass comments via the above email form link. 

We are keen to further develop our involvement in the Channel Islands and other UK Crown Dependencies. We have undertaken survey, monitoring, habitat management work and provided conservation advice in Jersey for the Agile Frog and Green Lizard supported the development of the action plan for the Agile Frog in Jersey and have good links with Jersey Zoo, and promoted survey through the National Amphibian and Reptile Survey on Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Green Lizard habitat and a Green Lizard on Jersey. (c) Paul Edgar

We see further scope for developing our involvement in the UK Overseas Territories and Sovereign bases, largely by providing a UK based specialist organisation that can assist action by local groups and individuals. We are a member of the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum who provide a valuable network to support conservation work in the Overseas Territories. Previously the HCT produced a draft Action Plan for the Bermuda Skink Plestiodon longirostris and has attended UK Overseas Territories Conferences.

The Bermuda Skink - one of a number of endangered species found in UK territories (c) Paul Edgar

The Marine Toad - a harmful and invasive species introduced to six territories. (c) Paul Edgar