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Is there a legal obligation to reintroduce animal species into their former habitats?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

P. A. Rees
P. A. Rees
Affiliation:
School of Environment and Life Sciences, Allerton Building, University of Salford, Salford M6 6PU, UK. E-mail: p.a.rees@salford.ac.uk
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Abstract

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Species reintroduction programmes are an important feature of global conservation efforts. There is evidence within the texts of some international and European laws of legal obligations to reintroduce species to their former habitats. However, these obligations are inconsistent between legal instruments, and it is not at all clear exactly what it is they are legislating to recreate. In particular, definitions of native species are either absent from the law or unclear, especially in an historical context. Attempts to reintroduce some predators have been met with legal challenges, and so it is essential that conservation authorities have a clear mission in their reintroduction activities and that this mission is reflected in their national law. Successful reintroductions will be achieved only with public support, and this is more likely where clear objectives have been established after public consultation. Conservation authorities undertaking reintroduction projects should use the legal system and the international commitments made by their governments to validate their efforts.

Keywords

beaverslawreintroductionwolves.
Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 35 , Issue 3 , July 2001 , pp. 216 - 223
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 2001

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