Study

Is compensation for the loss of nature feasible for reptiles, amphibians and fish?

  • Published source details Spitzen-van der Sluijs A., Bosman W. & de Bruin A. (2011) Is compensation for the loss of nature feasible for reptiles, amphibians and fish?. Pianura, 27, 120-123.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Legal protection of species

Action Link
Amphibian Conservation

Legally protect reptile species

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Legal protection of species

    A review in 2011 of compliance with legislation during development projects in the Netherlands (Spitzen-van der Sluijs, Bosman & De Bruin 2011) found that evidence was not provided to suggest that legislation protected a population of moor frogs Rana arvalis. By 2011 only 42% of the compensation area that was required had been provided. Translocation of frogs started in 2007, but as the compensation area was not complete they were released into potentially unsuitable adjacent habitat. Monitoring before and after translocation was insufficient to determine population numbers or to assess translocation success. The ecological function of the landscape was not preserved during development. In the Netherlands, the Flora and Fauna Act protects amphibians. The development project was required by law to provide a 48 ha compensation area for moor frogs and to translocate the species from the development site to that area.

     

  2. Legally protect reptile species

    A review in 2011 of compliance with legislation during development projects in the Netherlands (Spitzen-van der Sluijs et al. 2011) found that evidence was not provided to suggest that legislation protected a population of slow worms Anguis fragilis. Mitigation translocations of slow worms to a compensatory area began in 2009, but the new habitat was only considered finished in the year following translocations and so slow worms were released into potentially unsuitable habitat. Monitoring before and after translocation was insufficient to determine population numbers or to assess translocation success. In June–September 2009, one hundred and forty-nine slow worms were translocated from a 1.1 ha area of rough grassland to a 2.1 ha compensation area. In the Netherlands, the Flora and Fauna Act protects amphibians. The development project was required by law to provide a compensation area for slow worms and to translocate the species from the development site to that area.

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

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