Wildlife Inspectors
The Wildlife Inspectorate consists of a small headquarter's team based in Bristol , and a panel of about 100 part-time fee-paid consultants located throughout the UK . Its role is to undertake inspections at the premises of keepers of registrable birds and/or traders of endangered species to ensure the appropriate wildlife legislation is being followed.
How does it 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 certain powers of entry to the premises of:
- keepers of birds listed on Schedule 4 (Annex 3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- importers and/or exporters of endangered species.
- those applying for licences to release Barn Owls (Tyto alba) or certain other species into the wild.
In addition, the Wildlife Inspectorate provides specialist assistance in identification of species to the Police and HM Customs and Excise.
What does it cover?
- The work of the Wildlife Inspectorate involves:
- undertaking inspections at the premises of keepers of birds listed on Schedule 4 (Annex 3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
- confirming species identification, and where possible the origin, of certain species imported into the UK .
- undertaking monitoring inspections to ensure that conditions imposed on licences are complied with.
- assisting the Police and other enforcement agencies by providing species identification expertise, information from official records, witness statements and expert evidence.
Page last modified: 2 April 2007
Page published: 2 April 2007