Читать книгу Practical Field Ecology - C. Philip Wheater - Страница 36

When planning fieldwork, it is important to take into account your responsibilities and any legal implications of the work. At an early stage in the planning of the project, always seek permission to work on a site from the landowner and any other interested parties (for example, relevant statutory bodies if the sites have some form of special protection, e.g. SSSI or National Nature Reserve). Keep disturbance to a minimum and remove as few plants or animals as possible. Identify specimens in situ (if you can) so that they need not be removed from the habitat. Whole plants should not be taken without the express permission of the landowner. It is good practice in the field not to pick plants of any kind, unless absolutely necessary. In many countries there are a number of protected species (for example orchids) that should not be uprooted, picked, or harmed in any way. You should check with the appropriate governing organisation for the country involved for details on protected species. In some countries there is specific legislation covering protected species (for example, the Endangered Species Act 1971 in the USA,¹⁰ the EU Birds Directive 2009,¹¹ and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK¹²).

Some animals may not be disturbed or handled without a permit (e.g. birds and bats amongst others in the UK), and this extends to some microhabitats (e.g. badger setts in the UK). Rare animals and plants are often protected by law and a licence may be required to handle or disturb them, without which you could face a large fine. You should also consider the ethical aspects of your study. This is particularly important where animals, especially vertebrates, may be harmed. Under these circumstances appropriate licensing authorities should be consulted. Note: this handbook is a guide that does not definitively outline the legal position or interpretation of any act or regulation. In all cases of protected species, it is the responsibility of the researcher to check with the relevant bodies to understand what guidelines and regulations are in force. Legal frameworks can change with time and being unaware of the legality of your actions is not a valid excuse. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date with any legislation pertaining to your area of work.