‘Shortcasts’ are short standalone audio comments and statements from conservationists, campaigners, charities, authors and members of our audience. If it needs to be said – say it here!

Ecologist Robyn Murphy has set up an epetition to help stop the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) downgrading protection for widespread species of amphibian and reptile by removing them from Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Changing criteria to protect endangered species only is a move in the wrong direction.  All reptile and amphibian species need more protection from human activity as populations are struggling.

We have seen a decline in all species for decades. If these changes go ahead, we could see species getting locally wiped out.  Also a potential disease risk as people could sell and transport species.

We don’t want them all to become endangered in the first place. 

Prevention is the best cure

• Petition:   Keep all of our widespread species of amphibian and reptile from Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 

(Also listen to ecologist and founder of Froglife Tom Langton discussing the JNCC's ludicrous proposals in a previous Guest Off the Leash )