Plan and release animals into their natural habitat

1. assess the risks associated with the releasing of animals into their natural habitat and complete a risk assessment where required

2. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental, health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare and other animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

4. assess the release site to determine the suitability of the habitat for the animals

5. plan when to release the animals into their natural habitat, taking into consideration time of day, season, and environment

6. observe the behaviour and condition of the animals when planning their release

7. use a relevant method of identification to allow monitoring of the animal after release, where required

8. take action to manage the impact of external factors on the planned release

9. prepare and use the required equipment in accordance with the relevant legislation, the manufacturer's guidelines and organisational policies

10. check that the personal protective equipment (PPE) is relevant for the activity

11. transfer the animals safely to the release site in a way that minimises stress and maintains welfare

12. release the animals safely, in a manner that minimises stress and maintains welfare

13. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy

1. the relevant legislation affecting the release of species and individual animals into their natural habitat

2. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

3. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

4. how to assess the suitability of the release site

5. how to determine the fitness of each individual animal for release

6. how to plan the release of animals and the importance of timing, season and environment

7. the methods available to aid the identification of animals after release

8. the external factors that can affect the release and how these can be managed

9. how to minimise damage to the natural habitat and other wildlife during release

10. the types of equipment required for releasing animals, and how to prepare and use these in accordance with the relevant legislation, the manufacturer's guidelines and organisational policies

11. the conditions required to maintain the animals’ health, safety and welfare during transfer and release

12. indications of stress and disorder in the animals being released and to minimise these

13. the action to take following the observation of stress or disorder in the animals

14. the required methods of release for the animals concerned

15. the potential behaviour during release and the actions to be taken if behaviour varies from the norm

16. how and when post-release monitoring and recording should be undertaken

17. the records that need to be kept in relation to the release of animals into their natural habitat and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy

1. human interference

2. pests and predators

3. weather/season

4. local farming activities

Methods available to aid identification of animals after release include:

• ringing
• tagging
• microchip
• use of satellite/GPS tracking
• radio transmitters
• tattoo
• individual markings
• centre records
• photographs/drawings
• hair clippings