03 November 2003 16:40
UK Government: Defra grants licence to bring Great Bustards back to Salisbury Plain
The Great Bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world and once native to the UK, might be seen again on Salisbury
Plain through a trial re-introduction scheme approved today by Ben Bradshaw, the Minister for Nature Conservation.
The Great Bustard Consortium, which is made up of the Great Bustard Group (a group of interested great bustard
enthusiasts) and the University of Stirling, sought approval to release up to 40 Great Bustard chicks per year (for five
to 10 years) on to Salisbury Plain, in Wiltshire. The chicks will be raised, avoiding human imprinting, from eggs
collected from nests that would otherwise be destroyed or abandoned on cultivated farmland in Saratov in Russia.
A licence is required under Section 16 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to release into a wild habitat
species which are not normally present in Britain. This enables Defra to assess the potential risks associated with the
proposed introduction and ensure that releases of non-native species will not have an adverse impact on the environment.
An import licence is also required under the relevant European regulations governing the Control in Trade of Endangered
Species in order that the hatchlings may legally enter the EU.
Ben Bradshaw said: "It will be thrilling if this species of bird could be successfully re-introduced into the UK
after so many years of being absent.
Enhancing and protecting our wildlife and habitats is at the core of Defra's business. Achieving this with the
right balance is critical if we are to safeguard the existing eco-system.
"We have consulted widely before issuing this licence with conservation bodies including English Nature, the
Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, they are content that the
interests of the birds will be safeguarded by the conditions of the licence. " Before the project can begin in the
Spring licences need to be granted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). If
approved the CITES licence will be granted just prior to the import of the Great Bustard chicks into the UK.
A condition of the ten year licence is that results of the project will be closely monitored and evaluated each year
by Defra, in consultation with the RSPB, the Joint Nature Conservation Council and English Nature. The licence may be
revoked at any time if there is evidence of danger to native biodiversity or the donor population in Russia.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Defra consulted with the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, English Nature, the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee, the RSPB, the Russian Bird Conservation Union, the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian
Ministry of Natural Resources before granting the licence for the Great Bustard Project.
2. The Great Bustard Consortium may be contacted through David Waters (WBustard@aol.com ), Garden Cottage, Clarendon
Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3EP, telephone 01722 710 779 Public enquiries 08459 335577; Press notices are available
on our website www.defra.gov.uk Defra's aim is sustainable development End Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P
3JR
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