Conservation management

Team role

Non-native species are the second most significant cause of biodiversity loss worldwide and are an increasing priority globally. Our Conservation Management team uniquely carries out large-scale field control and monitoring operations, focusing on invasive non-native species. We also conduct research in support of these activities and in collaboration with universities and other institutions.

Our objectives are to advise on the management of non-native species at policy level, both within the UK and overseas, and to develop novel tools to aid the identification of problem areas or scenarios using spatial modelling.

The Non-Native Species team was formed in 2006 to provide the Secretariat for the GB Non-Native Programme Board (the co-ordinating body on non-natives for Great Britain). The Secretariat acts as the liaison between the programme board and a series of working groups that deal with specific issues, such as research and biosecurity. The placement of the Secretariat at Fera recognises the key role we play in the non-native species arena.

Activities

The Conservation Management team is leading a project to devise a generic spatial modelling tool for invasive species, and we have substantial input into the development of the UK generic risk-assessment methodology for invasive species (led by Fera's Plant Health scientists).

We are continuing to build up a geographically widespread team of field workers with a range of appropriate sampling, culling and capture skills, which will enhance our ability to respond rapidly to contingencies.

We have significantly expanded our large-scale monitoring and sampling activities, following the establishment of the badger monitoring team in 2005. This team consists of 42 field staff throughout England and Wales.

Our Non-Native Species Secretariat assists the Non-Native Species Programme Board in developing a vision and agreeing a programme for addressing non-native issues in Great Britain. Our role includes drafting and agreeing a strategy, coordinating research programmes and ensuring the exchange of experience, information and specialist expertise on non-native issues amongst key agencies and sectors.

Achievements

• Successful completion of the Hebridean Mink Eradication project - the largest UK eradication for almost 20 years
• Playing a key role in the ruddy duck eradication project - the largest vertebrate eradication ever carried out in the EU
• Maintaining our capabilities in bat research, with current work focused on blood-sampling bats to monitor rabies (European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV))

Publications

Smith G C, Henderson I S, Robertson P A: A model of ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis eradication for the United Kingdom. Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol 42, pp 546-555.

Brookes S M, Aegerter J N, Smith G C, Healy D M, Jolliffe T A, Swift S M, Mackie I, Pritchard J S, Racey P A, Moore N P, Fooks A R: Prevalence of antibodies to European Bat Lyssavirus type-2 in Scottish bats. Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol 11(4), pp 572-578.

Seymour A S, Varnham K, Roy S S, Harris S, Bhageerutty L, Church S, Harris A, Vaughan Jennings N, Jones C, Khadun A, Mauremootoo J, Newman T, Tatayah V, Webbon C, Wilson G: Mechanisms underlying the failure of an attempt to eradicate the invasive Asian musk shrew Suncus murinus from an island nature reserve. Biological Conservation, Vol 125, pp 23-35.

Milsom T P: Decline of northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus breeding on arable farmland in relation to the loss of spring tillage. Bird Study, Vol 52, pp 297-306 Part 3.

Sage R B, Ludolf C, Robertson P A: The ground flora of ancient semi-natural woodlands in pheasant release pens in England. Biological Conservation, Vol 122 (2), pp 243-252.