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Posted: 30th January 2013

Championing amphibian and reptile species
Image: Nick Underdown of ScotLINK
Threatened species part of new conservation initiative

A new initiative, coordinated by the Scottish Environment LINK's wildlife forum, has provided Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) the opportunity to champion threatened amphibian and reptile species.

The initiative called Species Champions invites MSPs to choose from a list of species that are currently facing a threat to their survival, and allows them to help support that species from their parliamentary position.

The list, as suggested by conservationists Froglife, includes three amphibian species – the common toad, the natterjack toad and the great crested newt – and three reptile species – the adder, the common lizard, and the slow worm.

Within days of the list being published, all three amphibian species were chosen to be championed by a MSP, despite the initiative not having officially launched yet.

Choosing to champion the common toad, Glasgow MSP Drew Smith is already planning his involvement in a toad patrol, which is part of Froglife's Toads on Roads project.

Elaine Murray, MSP of Dumfries & Galloway, chose to champion the natterjack toad as its entire Scottish population resides in her constituency.

Championing the great crested newt, Central Scotland MSP John Wilson, said he has particular interest in environmental issues and the pressure housing and other developments have on urban wildlife, such as amphibians.

Rob Williams, Froglife's conservation coordinator for Scotland, commented: "Species Champions is a great idea and provides a direct link between conservation NGO’s [Non-Governmental Organisations] and Scottish Parliament.

"We hope by working closely with our MSP champions we can make a positive impact on the big decisions affecting our species. Froglife will also continue working hard to make sure the three reptile species find MSP champions before the initiative officially launches in spring.”



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