Wildlife Inspectorate
The Wildlife Inspectorate consists of a small headquarter's team based in Bristol, and a panel of about 80 part-time fee-paid and home-based Inspectors located throughout the UK . It’s role is to undertake inspections of traders of CITES species and Schedule 4 birds to ensure that the appropriate wildlife legislation is being followed.
How do they work?
Wildlife Inspectors are recruited mainly for their expertise in species identification. All inspections are generated, monitored and controlled by the headquarters staff within an overall inspection strategy, which is reviewed annually.
Wildlife Inspectors are granted legal powers in certain circumstances.
- powers of entry to the premises of traders, importers and exporters of endangered species under CITES
- powers of entry to the premises of keepers of birds listed on Schedule 4 (Annex 3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- powers to require the taking of a sample from a specimen under CITES or listed on Schedule 4
In addition, the Wildlife Inspectorate provides specialist assistance in identification of species to the Police and HM Revenue & Customs.
What do inspections cover?
The “Wildlife Inspectorate Code of Practice”
sets out how Inspectors should conduct themselves during inspections. A summarised version of the Code is also published as part of the Wildlife Inspectorate’s “Statement of Service” .
Contact the Wildlife Inspectorate
Page last modified:07 March 2008
Page published:31 January 2007