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Invasive Alien Species - Online public consultation
Dear all,

The European Union is currently carrying out a public consultation on the way it should control potentially invasive alien species (IAS) across the whole of the EU. This is your opportunity to make your views known to the politicians who will be making decisions that could affect the future of reptile keeping across the EU, including the UK.

What is an Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?
Any species (animals and plants, but also other organisms) which is transported to an area which is not within its normal geographical range is a potential IAS. To be an IAS, however, the species needs to be released into the new location, be able to survive in the new area if released and then be able to reproduce and spread.

Why is this important?
An animal released into an area to which it is not native may cause no ill effect at all. It may not survive at all and even if it does it could have no effect on the local ecosystem. Some species can, however, cause ecological or economic damage which can affect native species or cost governments many millions of pounds to tackle.

How does this affect my hobby?
Reptile keeping (and many other hobbies, such as gardening) involve keeping species that are not native to the EU, such as corn snakes from the USA, bearded dragons from Australia or leopard geckos from Pakistan. Such species are considered to be potential IAS and so will be covered by any legislation introduced by the EU. If this legislation is fair and appropriate then it should be supported, but if it is constructed badly then it could lead to controls on species that are not proven to be harmful and which are kept in huge numbers. This could directly affect your right to pursue your currently legal hobby of reptile keeping.

But some species may cause harm, so these should surely be controlled?
Absolutely! There are some species that have the potential to cause harm and so are true IAS. These should be scientifically assessed in a proper way and controlled in an appropriate way which protects the environment whilst not affecting species that are not proved to be harmful. Responsible keepers must support balanced and appropriate legislation while resisting inappropriate laws.

How do I make my views known?
The public consultation is being carried out on-line and can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/invasive_aliens.htm. You should go to the website and fill out the online survey to make your views known. You should also let other keepers know, both in the UK and particularly anyone you know in other European countries, so that they can make their views known. The FBH have an official position on the most appropriate answers, which are outlined below. You should, however, answer the questions in the manner that you personally feel is most appropriate.

This is a long detailed document but its importance cannot be over emphasised. Please take the time to read it and to register your opinions on the European commission website;

Yours sincerely,

Chris Newman
Chairman – Federation of British Herpetologists