What conservation translocation means

Conservation translocation is the planned movement of plants or animals to a new location for conservation purposes, such as reintroducing species, strengthening vulnerable populations, or supporting ecological recovery. It includes the full process of planning, release, monitoring and long-term management, and should contribute to more resilient, connected and adaptable ecosystems. Translocations can help address challenges such as habitat fragmentation, habitat loss and climate change when natural movement is not possible, but they should only be undertaken when benefits clearly outweigh risks and after lower-risk alternatives have been considered.

Conservation translocation is the deliberate movement of a plant or animal from one site for release in another for conservation purposes. They can be carried out for different reasons. For example to:

• reintroduce a species
• reinforce an existing species population to prevent extinction
• promote a particular ecological outcome

These should take account of, and contribute to, improving the resilience of ecosystems, diversity between and within ecosystems, the connectivity, scale, condition and adaptability of ecosystems.

Individuals of a species used in a conservation translocation may be taken from the wild or be captive bred populations.

Translocation covers the entire process including planning, the transfer and release of individuals of the species, monitoring and post-release management. A robust policy framework is therefore essential to ensure appropriate planning, monitoring and evaluation throughout.

Conservation translocations can be useful when a species cannot naturally move to new or existing suitable habitats because of barriers, fragmentation or other pressures. They may help address threats such as habitat loss, persecution and climate change, but only after considering whether more low-risk actions i.e. protecting existing habitat or reducing other pressures, would be safer by ensuring animal welfare and more cost effective.

Translocations are only appropriate when the benefits clearly outweigh risks and when measures are in place to manage uncertainty or potential risks. In Wales, these activities must follow our guidance and involve cross border cooperation where necessary, especially near English boundaries or where species may disperse beyond Wales. They should also form part of a clearly articulated longer-term and large scale plan, rather than being a series of short-term and ad hoc measures.

The relocation of animals during development activities is not usually considered a conservation translocation. Similarly, this approach does not cover the use of species for biocontrol or translocations undertaken for fisheries management purposes.

Be clear about the conservation need and whether it is an appropriate option

Whether you are proposing a population reinforcement, a reintroduction, or an introduction, you will need to clearly explain why action is necessary and what needs to be achieved.

You should assess whether other management actions may be more appropriate. Consider whether cheaper or lower-risk options could meet the conservation need. Your proposal should provide evidence to justify why a translocation is required.

In doing so, consider whether the causes of decline or risk of extinction have been assessed, whether alternative approaches have been identified at a high level, and how population data or other evidence support the case for intervention. Alongside impacts on the species itself, you should also consider its wider ecological role and any benefits or services it provides to people.

Even if these alternatives cannot fully address the need, interventions like habitat restoration or managing threats are likely to be required as part of a translocation project. You should set out any complimentary actions you propose (or those being undertaken by others) and how your proposed translocation fits into wider conservation plans.