Celtic Reptile & Amphibian

rdf:langString Celtic Reptile & Amphibian

rdf:langString Celtic Reptile & Amphibian is a conservation company, established in 2020, by Harvey Tweats and Tom Whitehurst, with the aim of reintroducing extinct reptiles and amphibians back to rewilding projects within the UK. It is based in Leek, Staffordshire. The company was conceptualised after founder Harvey Tweats visited the River Otter beaver trial, where Eurasian Beavers were reintroduced, creating habitats that would have supported extinct amphibian species, as they are ecosystem engineers. However, the beaver was hunted to extinction in the 16th century, leading amphibian species to also slip into extirpation, only for beavers to be released hundreds of years later, after the extinction of many amphibian species. This means the only way these species could return is through direct reintroduction. Tweats was also inspired by reintroduction expert Derek Gow. Later, Tom Whitehurst joined, handling the technical and accounting aspects of Celtic Reptile & Amphibian. In 2020, a site was developed to help upscale the breeding effort with financial help from a range of environmentalists, including Ben Goldsmith and Sir Charles Burrell. The breeding facility is the largest of its type, dedicated only to European species in an open-air environment. Eventually it will house more reptiles than Chester Zoo. Thus far, success has been achieved with the moor frog, as it has been successfully bred in captivity by the company, sparking talk of reintroduction, as it was likely extirpated by deforestation (in western Europe and the UK). The European pond turtle has also been put forward as a reintroduction candidate, as the climate is warming, making habitat more suitable. The organisation has the largest captive group of the species. In response to worries about the potential transfer of diseases (like chytrid which causes chytridiomycosis) from captive animals to the wild, a biosecurity protocol was enacted. It included ecologically certified newt fences, sanitising stations and footdips. All breeding stock is tested with PCR testing.