LICENCE FOR ANNEX IV(a) PROTECTED SPECIES
Introduction
On February 15 2007 the Scottish Parliament passed a number of amendments to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations. One of these amendments requires that anyone who has a specimen of an animal listed on Annex IV(a) of the EU Habitats Directive must now have a licence to possess it.
Do you require a licence?
If you have a lawfully taken a wild animal, dead or alive, of the species listed on Annex IV(a), or any part of such an animal, taken since 1994, you need to apply for a licence. This will mainly apply to taxidermy specimens.
Details of all the species listed in Annex IV(a) of the Habitats Directive can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/nature_conservation/eu_enlargement/2004/habitats/annexiv_en.pdf
The full text of the amendment can be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2007/20070080.htm
How to apply for a licence
As of May 1 2007 you need to apply for a licence from the appropriate authority if you have a specimen of a wild-taken Annex IV(a) species.
If the animal is in your possession for scientific, research or educational purposes, or else for the conservation of wild animals and wild birds you need to apply to Scottish Natural Heritage.
If the specimen is kept for any other purpose, e.g. taxidermy, you must apply to the Scottish Executive.
Licences will be issued to the individual and will cover all specimens listed in the application.
You should provide the appropriate authority (see below) with details of the specimen(s) you have in your possession, information on how and when you acquired them and any further evidence that would be useful. Please use the application form on the next page to apply for your Scottish Executive licence to keep a specimen for display.
Contacts
Species Licensing Team Tel: 0131 244 7381
Landscapes and Habitats Division
Area 1J South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
If you require a licence to keep an Annex IV(a) specimen for scientific, research or educational purposes, or for the conservation of wild birds and animals please contact Scottish Natural Heritage at SNH Licensing Team, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW. Tel: 01463 725000