Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
JNCC is the statutory adviser to Government on UK and
international nature conservation. Its work contributes to
maintaining and enriching biological diversity, conserving
geological features and sustaining natural systems. JNCC delivers
the UK and international responsibilities of the four country
nature conservation agencies - Council for Nature
Conservation and the Countryside, the Countryside Council for
Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural
Heritage.
The keeping of the humble tortoise as a pet in
the UK is on the increase. This has influenced the trade in these
species, encouraging breeding and importation. Monitoring the trade
and preventing illegal trade of tortoise species is made more
difficult when they are not individually or uniquely marked (this
is a requirement of EC CITES Regulations). Current veterinary
advice in the UK is that juvenile tortoises with a plastron length
of under 100mm are too small to be safely marked with a microchip
transponder.
Faced with this problem, JNCC has commissioned a consortium,
led by the International Zoo Veterinary Group (IZVG), to find new
and innovative ways to permanently mark juvenile tortoises. A
consultation has been opened and the IZVG is seeking the views of
all those with an interest in tackling this issue. Anyone wishing
to have an input into the project is encouraged to
submit their views and comments.
The UK Nature and Landscape Office held an evening reception,
during the EU's Green Week, at the Residence of the UK
Ambassador to the European Union. A large number of guests from the
European Commission, European Parliament, Member States governments
and other key organisations in Brussels enjoyed a wonderful evening
with Guest of Honour Mr Pavan Sukhdev.
The Habitat Classifications area of the website
has been updated and expanded. There is more
information on the National Vegetation Classification
(NVC) and the Phase 1 Habitat
Classification . These are two of the most important
systems used in the UK to identify and map terrestrial habitat
types, such as woodland, grassland and heathland. "The improvements
look good, nicely structured and comprehensive," said Dr Stephan
Hennekens, European Habitat Expert based at Alterra, The
Netherlands. The additional material includes several publications,
spreadsheets, and a GIS palette that can be downloaded free of
charge.
The Consultation on the Fifth Quinquennial Review of Schedules
5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, is now closed.
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee wishes to thank consultees
who submitted proposals in relation to animal and plant species for
removal or addition to the Schedules, or commented on the JNCC's
draft recommendations. Once these consultation responses have been
evaluated, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will finalise
its recommendations for submission to the Secretary of State and
Ministers, later in 2008. The Departments will then consult
interested parties before making their decisions on what changes
should be made to the Schedules. Finally, any changes approved by
the Secretary of State and Ministers will be implemented by
Statutory Instruments.