Can you help save Jersey’s species?

Training to help people find out more about how to protect amphibians and reptiles in Jersey is being offered by the Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group (JARG) and the Department of the Environment.

JARG has organised a day of talks, workshops and training for existing and new volunteers to learn about local amphibians and reptiles. Each year there is a different focus to highlight a species or issue relevant to conservation in Jersey. For 2013, the focus will be on newts, with an emphasis on how to find them when conducting surveys. The aim is to collect enough information to use to judge future trends and, where necessary, take action to conserve the species for the future. Speakers at the event include:

• Dr John Wilkinson, the research and monitoring officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), the organisation that runs the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS).
• Dr Brett Lewis and Dr Richard Griffiths, both involved in the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent.
• Nina Cornish, research ecologist for the Department of the Environment, States of Jersey.

In the afternoon, the focus will be on Jersey’s National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (see www.narrs.org.uk), a partnership project which has been running in Jersey for five years, led by the UK’s ARC group. This practical part of the day will provide information about guidelines and best practice for identifying and surveying amphibians and reptiles.
Research ecologist Nina Cornish said: ‘Events such as this ensure that Jersey is compliant with international responsibilities such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. They encourage public appreciation and awareness of amphibians and reptiles by giving people the chance to become involved in wildlife recording and conservation. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of amphibians and reptiles and it’s a really good example of Jersey’s Biodiversity Partnership in action.

Nina added: ‘This informal group of organisations and individuals work together for the benefit of species and habitats which are under threat or in need of special attention, and provide a range of strategies and targets for their conservation – which is the case with the newt. It all helps maintain biodiversity which is essential in order to preserve our natural plants and wildlife’.
The day is being held at Durrell’s international training centre on Saturday 9 February 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is open to everyone. For more details or to book a place contact Nina Cornish on 441624 or by email: n.cornish@gov.je

Tags: department of the Environment, JARG, Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group

Category: Community, Environment