Celtic Rewilding Ltd, also known as 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.
History
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. Celtic Reptile & Amphibian have worked with the University of Cambridge to develop a project feasibility study for the restoration of this species. They propose a trial release into a fenced area to investigate the impact (positive or negative) on native species and the incubation success of the species, somewhere in the East Anglian Broads, Brecks or Fens. They have garnered support from Professor William J. Sutherland. 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 foot-dips. All breeding stock is tested with PCR testing.
Proposed species for reintroduction
Celtic Reptile & Amphibian undertake research with many partners. This is focussed on feasibility of species reintroduction and examining evidence for species native status.
Currently, 5 species of herptile are classed as extirpated in the UK, and suitable for reintroduction;
Agile frog (Rana dalmatina) - extinct reliably in the 9th century, as indicated by subfossil remains. It has already been reintroduced to Jersey, by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. European tree frog (Hyla arborea) - while a potential native colony survived until 1987, reliable historical records suggest that this species was found in Britain by at least the 16th century, for example Sir Thomas Browne wrote in 1646; "...the little frog of an excellent Parrat green, that usually sits on [t]rees and [b]ushes, and is therefore called Ranunculus viridis, or arboreus...", thus it is listed as an extinct-native. European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) - surviving until the Neolithic, this chelonian qualifies as a native British species as evidenced by fossils and sedaDNA analysis. However, it most likely went extinct due to climatic deteroration. Celtic Reptile & Amphibian hope that a warming climate will open up opportunities for the restoration of this species and a crowdfunding campaign has been initiated. Pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) - this is the only species in which it has already been reintroduced to Britain, both intentionally and accidentally. Moor frog (Rana arvalis) - several subfossil specimens represent this species, showing it was native to East Anglia at least in the 9th century. A historical reference by Bartholomeus Anglicus talks of "Rana palustres" pushing the extinction date to the 13th century. Furthermore, research indicates that fenland drainage and deforestation were the most likely factors in the species' demise.