Federation of British Herpetologists conference - Page 2

EJ · 26-05-2011, 10:23 PM

What do I know... I'm a freakin' American...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box girl

So true

Box girl · 26-05-2011, 10:41 PM

Oh I don't know!!!
Never a truer word said.
Off to Germany satb early to see the world's best breeder of Asian turtles can't wait!

Really do wish we could come to this conference but not only is it the middle of our exam season but I would have not long been out of hospital after a cartilidge op.
Are you going Ed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJ

What do I know... I'm a freakin' American...

fantapants · 28-05-2011, 09:13 PM

I will be attending the FBH conference again this year and will be staying over for the show the following day. Be nice to catch up with people

EJ · 28-05-2011, 09:41 PM

Can't afford it believe it or not. I think I've burned up most of my holidays also. I had a great time the last time I went.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box girl

Oh I don't know!!!
Never a truer word said.
Off to Germany satb early to see the world's best breeder of Asian turtles can't wait!

Really do wish we could come to this conference but not only is it the middle of our exam season but I would have not long been out of hospital after a cartilidge op.
Are you going Ed?

Geomyda · 18-06-2011, 09:19 AM

Reminder to book tickets for the Conference next Saturday!

Geomyda · 27-06-2011, 10:39 AM

Really big thank you to Chris Newman, and the sponsor's ExoTerra for a very good conference on Saturday in Doncaster. Exoterra, not only provided the catering FOC but also gave a fantastic speaker, Emmanuel Van Heygen, whom had just returned another field trip to Madagscar. His talk on the diversity of Day Gecko's in that country was excellent.
In the afternoon, Rom Muryn from this forum, gave an excellent presentation on keeping Terrapins in Outside enclosures here in the UK.
Great day, and very pleasant evening too!

EJ · 27-06-2011, 11:53 AM

I guess you did mention it.

Geomyda · 01-07-2011, 07:03 AM

Dear Fellow Herpetologists,

Is this the biggest threat ever?

The European Commission (in the form of DG Environment) is currently developing an “Invasive Alien Species strategy” [IAS] which will be transposed into an EU Directive and implemented across all 27 Member States. Invasive Alien Species (IAS), or Invasive Non-native Species (INNS) as they are better known as in the UK, can clearly pose a threat to the environment, biodiversity and economy, making this a serious issue. There are, however, grave concerns that the Invasive Alien Species Strategy could easily become hijacked to form an Animal Rights Charter, used to restrict the keeping of animals in captivity, a purpose for which it was not originally intended.

The UK government have adopted an open and transparent consultation process with stakeholders, but this appears to be lacking across the rest of the EU. The Commission’s consultation process has been somewhat more selective and mainly taking the form of establishing working groups involving Member States and a few interest groups. We fear that the Commission might not take due account of the economic value of the pet industry to the EU purse (some €30+ billion per annum with net tax revenue of some €12+ billion / annum). Pet ownership is enjoyed by an estimated 67% of households across the EU and undue restrictions on keeping / trade could, therefore, have significant implications.

The facts: IAS are a significant threat to the biodiversity and according to the DAISIE database DAISIE - Home the following apply:

• There are more than 11,000 alien species in the EU.
• Around.15% of these are considered damaging to biodiversity.
• A similar proportion are economically damaging.
• EEA work shows an increasing trend of alien species introductions.
• IAS costing Europe at least €12.7 billion / annum.
• Albino king snakes, for example, have been found (and seem to be breeding) in the Canaries.

Clearly the issues are very important but this must be balanced against the devastating effects, socially and economically, of blanket banning keeping pet animals. There are also Human Rights issues as well as animal welfare implications if large numbers of pet keepers are effectively criminalised. A few of the issues which need to be considered are:

• Commonly kept species, such as North American Colubrids, could potentially become established and would be on the “hit list” of banned species.
• Keeping reptiles and amphibians (and many other pets) would no longer be viable.
• Animal keepers would be driven “underground”, with welfare implications, e.g. inability to access veterinary care.
• Forced destruction of animals already in captivity could be implemented.

The Major Issues: there are many issues and threats implicit in the development of the IAS strategy, but three are of paramount importance:-

• White versus Black Lists
• One list or many covering import, trade and possession
• EU-wide, country-by-country or Bio-geographic Region

White list v black: A white list is a positive list of species permitted to be kept and a black list is a negative list of species prohibited. The EU currently maintains a black list of species prohibited from importations, including species such as American bull frogs Lithobates catesbeianus and red-eared terrapins Trachemys scripta elegans. A black list is the most sensible and practical way forward in order that species that are proven to be invasive or damaging to the environment may be restricted. A number of countries, plus protectionist NGO’s are pushing for a white list approach which would be devastating for our interests as each and every species would need to be risk assessed and would be banned until that process had been undertaken. The process would be prohibitively expensive and extremely time consuming. The GB Non-native Species Secretariat conceded that to carry out adequate risk assessments for all of the species of ‘possible’ concern to the UK would take some 150 years! The position of the European Commission has yet to be declared.

One list or many? A white or black list could be universal to importation, trade and possession, or if there could be separate lists for each category. A black list of species that are known to be problematic (for example red-eared terrapins) are currently banned from importation but possession remains lawful. If a single-list approach was adopted owners in current possession of such species would be criminalised or animals destroyed.

Within the EU there are many Bio-geographic Regions [see below] and a species that may pose a threat in one country may not be problematic in another. Red-eared terrapins, for example, are able to reproduce in the wild in the Mediterranean, but cannot in the UK or any other northern Member States.

EU-wide, country-by-country, according to Biogeographic Region or one size fits all? Bio-geographical variation within the EU is immense, with climates from sub-arctic to sub-tropical and, with the inclusion of overseas territories such as French Guyana and Reunion; the picture is even more complex. It is not reasonable to prohibit the keeping of a species in one country where it cannot survive in the wild simply because it could in another Bio-geographic region. Common sense could be applies, but a more cavalier attitude appears to be prevailing, with the apparent adoption of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy being preferred by a significant number of Member States.

Time scale: Time is short as the Commission has indicated that it wishes to have a proposed Directive in place by the end of 2012.

What can UK animal keepers do? The UK government is seeking to limit the number of species prohibited only to those that pose the most serious threat and is opposing blanket bans and other overtly restrictive measures, but is only one of 27 Member States, of which only France and Belgium have adopted a similar strategy so far. The German Government, a key Member State, has yet to declare and need to support this stance. Right now, there is little that keepers / traders can do in the UK but our European colleagues need to understand the threat. An EU-wide pro-pet lobby is needed NOW in order to save our hobby & trade, so please circulate this information as widely as possible in order to muster support.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Newman

Chairman Federation of British Herpetologists
Email: chris-newman@cviewmedia.com

Further information:

1. EU Commission website - Invasive Alien Species
European Commission - Environment - Nature & Biodiversity

2. GB non-native species information portal - Working towards an EU strategy
https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...cfm?pageid=211

3. GB non-native species information portal - Risk assessment
https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...m?sectionid=51

4. Developing an EU Framework for Invasive Alien Species - Discussion papers
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/natu...sion_paper.pdf

5. Information and background documents EU policy on Invasive Species Strategy CIRCA - Communication & Information Resource Centre Administrator
__________________
Member number - 43337

Invisible

#117 (permalink) Yesterday, 08:40 PM
Geomyda
Ultra Citizen
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,425

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With events in Nottingham yesterday, to some, it may not seem a good day to put a letter like this out. However, having attended the FBH Conference last Saturday, I very well know that there is no time to hold back on its publication. What Reptile and Amphibian hobbyists in the UK need to realise, is that currently, it is reported that the German Government has yet to make a decision on the recommendations to go into the proposed EU directive. If they side with the UK and France, then it might be possible to get the EU to opt for the less draconian "Black list".
However, if they side with the EU states such as Poland, Greece, Spain etc then the "White list" argument will have won. The White list option, has potentially dire consequences for the hobby and all the attendant protocols would be both expensive and grossly impractical. Paradoxically, The German hobby have potentially more to loose as it is they that lead much of Europe in the diversity of species husbanded in captivity.
What the letter is really trying to encourage, is a greater awareness of the issue and in the short term: "NOW" try and get UK hobbyists to liaise with their German colleagues/suppliers, who in turn need to lobby their governnment for a similar stance to France and the UK. A tall order????
Whilst at this stage it seems both Italy and Spanish Government has declared a "White list" preference. It would help, if Hobbyists in these countries where Herp keeping is also popular might also kick up a strong lobby in support of their cause!
__________________
Paul Eversfield

**Alan1** · 01-07-2011, 07:13 AM

there's a thread here http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=43882

EJ · 01-07-2011, 09:55 AM

I don't think it's as complete as this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by caledonia

there's a thread here http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=43882

28-05-2011, 09:13 PM	#13
fantapants Member Hatchling Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 542	I will be attending the FBH conference again this year and will be staying over for the show the following day. Be nice to catch up with people __________________ .

27-06-2011, 11:53 AM	#17
EJ Senior Member Adult Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,277	I guess you did mention it. __________________ Ed Tortoise Keerpers @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tortoise_Keepers and http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/284442591651347/ Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

01-07-2011, 07:03 AM	#18
Geomyda Senior Member Adult Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Surrey Posts: 2,094	An important issue, for consideration and action NOW Dear Fellow Herpetologists, Is this the biggest threat ever? The European Commission (in the form of DG Environment) is currently developing an “Invasive Alien Species strategy” [IAS] which will be transposed into an EU Directive and implemented across all 27 Member States. Invasive Alien Species (IAS), or Invasive Non-native Species (INNS) as they are better known as in the UK, can clearly pose a threat to the environment, biodiversity and economy, making this a serious issue. There are, however, grave concerns that the Invasive Alien Species Strategy could easily become hijacked to form an Animal Rights Charter, used to restrict the keeping of animals in captivity, a purpose for which it was not originally intended. The UK government have adopted an open and transparent consultation process with stakeholders, but this appears to be lacking across the rest of the EU. The Commission’s consultation process has been somewhat more selective and mainly taking the form of establishing working groups involving Member States and a few interest groups. We fear that the Commission might not take due account of the economic value of the pet industry to the EU purse (some €30+ billion per annum with net tax revenue of some €12+ billion / annum). Pet ownership is enjoyed by an estimated 67% of households across the EU and undue restrictions on keeping / trade could, therefore, have significant implications. The facts: IAS are a significant threat to the biodiversity and according to the DAISIE database DAISIE - Home the following apply: • There are more than 11,000 alien species in the EU. • Around.15% of these are considered damaging to biodiversity. • A similar proportion are economically damaging. • EEA work shows an increasing trend of alien species introductions. • IAS costing Europe at least €12.7 billion / annum. • Albino king snakes, for example, have been found (and seem to be breeding) in the Canaries. Clearly the issues are very important but this must be balanced against the devastating effects, socially and economically, of blanket banning keeping pet animals. There are also Human Rights issues as well as animal welfare implications if large numbers of pet keepers are effectively criminalised. A few of the issues which need to be considered are: • Commonly kept species, such as North American Colubrids, could potentially become established and would be on the “hit list” of banned species. • Keeping reptiles and amphibians (and many other pets) would no longer be viable. • Animal keepers would be driven “underground”, with welfare implications, e.g. inability to access veterinary care. • Forced destruction of animals already in captivity could be implemented. The Major Issues: there are many issues and threats implicit in the development of the IAS strategy, but three are of paramount importance:- • White versus Black Lists • One list or many covering import, trade and possession • EU-wide, country-by-country or Bio-geographic Region White list v black: A white list is a positive list of species permitted to be kept and a black list is a negative list of species prohibited. The EU currently maintains a black list of species prohibited from importations, including species such as American bull frogs Lithobates catesbeianus and red-eared terrapins Trachemys scripta elegans. A black list is the most sensible and practical way forward in order that species that are proven to be invasive or damaging to the environment may be restricted. A number of countries, plus protectionist NGO’s are pushing for a white list approach which would be devastating for our interests as each and every species would need to be risk assessed and would be banned until that process had been undertaken. The process would be prohibitively expensive and extremely time consuming. The GB Non-native Species Secretariat conceded that to carry out adequate risk assessments for all of the species of ‘possible’ concern to the UK would take some 150 years! The position of the European Commission has yet to be declared. One list or many? A white or black list could be universal to importation, trade and possession, or if there could be separate lists for each category. A black list of species that are known to be problematic (for example red-eared terrapins) are currently banned from importation but possession remains lawful. If a single-list approach was adopted owners in current possession of such species would be criminalised or animals destroyed. Within the EU there are many Bio-geographic Regions [see below] and a species that may pose a threat in one country may not be problematic in another. Red-eared terrapins, for example, are able to reproduce in the wild in the Mediterranean, but cannot in the UK or any other northern Member States. EU-wide, country-by-country, according to Biogeographic Region or one size fits all? Bio-geographical variation within the EU is immense, with climates from sub-arctic to sub-tropical and, with the inclusion of overseas territories such as French Guyana and Reunion; the picture is even more complex. It is not reasonable to prohibit the keeping of a species in one country where it cannot survive in the wild simply because it could in another Bio-geographic region. Common sense could be applies, but a more cavalier attitude appears to be prevailing, with the apparent adoption of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy being preferred by a significant number of Member States. Time scale: Time is short as the Commission has indicated that it wishes to have a proposed Directive in place by the end of 2012. What can UK animal keepers do? The UK government is seeking to limit the number of species prohibited only to those that pose the most serious threat and is opposing blanket bans and other overtly restrictive measures, but is only one of 27 Member States, of which only France and Belgium have adopted a similar strategy so far. The German Government, a key Member State, has yet to declare and need to support this stance. Right now, there is little that keepers / traders can do in the UK but our European colleagues need to understand the threat. An EU-wide pro-pet lobby is needed NOW in order to save our hobby & trade, so please circulate this information as widely as possible in order to muster support. Yours sincerely, Chris Newman Chairman Federation of British Herpetologists Email: chris-newman@cviewmedia.com Further information: 1. EU Commission website - Invasive Alien Species European Commission - Environment - Nature & Biodiversity 2. GB non-native species information portal - Working towards an EU strategy https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...cfm?pageid=211 3. GB non-native species information portal - Risk assessment https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...m?sectionid=51 4. Developing an EU Framework for Invasive Alien Species - Discussion papers http://ec.europa.eu/environment/natu...sion_paper.pdf 5. Information and background documents EU policy on Invasive Species Strategy CIRCA - Communication & Information Resource Centre Administrator __________________ Member number - 43337 Invisible #117 (permalink) Yesterday, 08:40 PM Geomyda Ultra Citizen Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,425 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With events in Nottingham yesterday, to some, it may not seem a good day to put a letter like this out. However, having attended the FBH Conference last Saturday, I very well know that there is no time to hold back on its publication. What Reptile and Amphibian hobbyists in the UK need to realise, is that currently, it is reported that the German Government has yet to make a decision on the recommendations to go into the proposed EU directive. If they side with the UK and France, then it might be possible to get the EU to opt for the less draconian "Black list". However, if they side with the EU states such as Poland, Greece, Spain etc then the "White list" argument will have won. The White list option, has potentially dire consequences for the hobby and all the attendant protocols would be both expensive and grossly impractical. Paradoxically, The German hobby have potentially more to loose as it is they that lead much of Europe in the diversity of species husbanded in captivity. What the letter is really trying to encourage, is a greater awareness of the issue and in the short term: "NOW" try and get UK hobbyists to liaise with their German colleagues/suppliers, who in turn need to lobby their governnment for a similar stance to France and the UK. A tall order???? Whilst at this stage it seems both Italy and Spanish Government has declared a "White list" preference. It would help, if Hobbyists in these countries where Herp keeping is also popular might also kick up a strong lobby in support of their cause! __________________ Paul Eversfield

18-06-2011, 09:19 AM	#15
Geomyda Senior Member Adult Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Surrey Posts: 2,094	Reminder to book tickets for the Conference next Saturday!

27-06-2011, 10:39 AM	#16
Geomyda Senior Member Adult Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Surrey Posts: 2,094	Really big thank you to Chris Newman, and the sponsor's ExoTerra for a very good conference on Saturday in Doncaster. Exoterra, not only provided the catering FOC but also gave a fantastic speaker, Emmanuel Van Heygen, whom had just returned another field trip to Madagscar. His talk on the diversity of Day Gecko's in that country was excellent. In the afternoon, Rom Muryn from this forum, gave an excellent presentation on keeping Terrapins in Outside enclosures here in the UK. Great day, and very pleasant evening too!

01-07-2011, 07:13 AM	#19
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	there's a thread here http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=43882

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