The guide “A Manual for the Management of Vertebrate Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, Incorporating Animal Welfare” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides comprehensive guidance on managing invasive alien species (IAS) in a manner that considers both ecological impacts and animal welfare. Here’s a summary based on the accessible content and general knowledge about the subject

Goals and Scope

• Addressing Invasive Species: The manual aims to address the challenges posed by vertebrate invasive species within the European Union, which threaten biodiversity, human health, and economic interests.
• Integration of Animal Welfare: It uniquely incorporates animal welfare principles into the management strategies for invasive species, recognizing the importance of ethical considerations in wildlife management practices.

Key Components

• Identification of Species: Lists and categorizes vertebrate invasive species of concern within the EU, highlighting their characteristics, behaviors, and ecological impacts.
• Management Strategies: Provides a range of management strategies tailored to different species and contexts. These include prevention, early detection, rapid response, control, and eradication measures.
• Welfare Considerations: Offers guidelines on how to incorporate animal welfare into each management strategy, ensuring that interventions are humane and minimize suffering. This includes considerations for the capture, handling, transport, and euthanasia of invasive species.

Implementation Guidelines

• Best Practices: Emphasizes the importance of using best practices that are both effective in managing invasive species and considerate of animal welfare.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages the involvement of stakeholders at all levels, including local communities, conservation groups, and governmental bodies, to ensure successful and ethically responsible management efforts.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Stresses the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of management interventions to assess their effectiveness, impact on invasive species populations, and compliance with animal welfare standards.

Policy and Legislation

• EU Framework: Aligns with the European Union’s regulatory framework on invasive alien species, supporting the implementation of EU Regulation No. 1143/2014, which aims to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

Conclusion
The manual serves as a critical resource for policymakers, conservationists, and practitioners involved in the management of invasive vertebrate species, offering a balanced approach that addresses both ecological and ethical considerations. Its comprehensive guidelines aim to facilitate the effective control of invasive species while upholding high standards of animal welfare.

Please find the full guidelines here.