SOP · REWILDING
Rewilding Release Readiness
Under ReviewRewildingRev B
Purpose
To govern the assessment of colonies and sites for release of pollinator stock back into managed wild landscapes. The procedure ensures only health-cleared, genetically appropriate stock is released into suitable, consented sites with a monitoring plan in place.
Scope
All readiness assessment and authorisation for rewilding releases.
In scope:
- Colony health and genetic-suitability verification
- Release-site assessment and consent confirmation
- Release execution and immediate post-release checks
- Post-release monitoring plan establishment
Out of scope:
- Quarantine clearance of stock, which follows Specimen Accession & Biosecurity Quarantine
- Captive breeding of release stock, which follows Queen-Rearing & Grafting
Definitions
Release Readiness
The state in which stock, site, and monitoring all meet thresholds for an authorised release.
Genetic Suitability
Confirmation that release stock matches the target landscape's reference population.
Consent Confirmation
Documented landholder and regulatory permission for release at a specific site.
Responsibilities
Rewilding Program Lead (Owner)
Owns the procedure and signs the release-readiness authorisation.
Field Ecologist
Assesses release sites, forage, and consent and establishes monitoring.
Apiary Health Officer
Confirms release stock is health-cleared and genetically suitable.
Procedure
Stock Verification
- Confirm colonies are quarantine-cleared with current clean screens.
- Verify genetic suitability against the target landscape reference.
- Confirm colony strength and queen status meet release thresholds.
Site Readiness
- Assess forage, water, and predation risk at the candidate site.
- Confirm landholder and regulatory consent is documented.
- Establish the post-release monitoring plan and responsible observer.
Release & Authorisation
- Obtain the signed release-readiness authorisation from the program lead.
- Execute the release and perform immediate post-release welfare checks.
- Record release coordinates, stock identity, and initiate monitoring.
PPE & Controls
Bee suit and veil for handlingField navigation and recording kit
Records Generated
- Release-readiness authorisation record
- Site assessment and consent file
- Post-release monitoring log
References
- Specimen Accession & Biosecurity Quarantine
- Queen-Rearing & Grafting
- HIVE Rewilding Doctrine
Revision History
| Rev | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2091-04-30 | Initial release of rewilding readiness procedure. |
| B | 2091-06-25 | Added genetic-suitability verification and consent file requirement. |