What's the issue?

The reintroduction of species, and recovery of those at risk of extinction, is a priority action in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. There have been calls to reintroduce some species which were previously native to the UK, for example the Eurasian Lynx. 

Rewilding can pose risks to the health and welfare of the released animals and to other species, including humans. For example, the release of the species may lead to the introduction and spread of disease. 

What's our view?

All reintroductions of previously native species must follow national and international legislation, standards, and guidelines, including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Guidelines.

Similar principles should also be followed if species are being introduced from other areas of the UK. The Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations is a good example.

When planning reintroductions:

• all stakeholders must be consulted as early as possible
• thorough risk assessments must be carried out, with veterinary involvement
• animals should be screened for diseases before release and possible changes in disease epidemiology must be considered
• the health and welfare risks that may be posed to the reintroduced species and other species, including humans, must be considered
• the potential ecological and environmental impacts on other species must be carefully considered

Once a species has been released, there must be effective monitoring and recording of data, and a strategy to deal with unforeseen consequences.

BVA policy position on rewilding and other releases of previously native species or subspecies

Get involved

• Contact our policy team for more information.