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London Zoo welcomes Chinese giant salamanders
Professor 'Lew' is already a big hit with zookeepers.

Four Chinese giant salamanders have been taken in by ZSL London Zoo after Border Force prevented an attempt to smuggle them into the country. The animals are critically endangered, often referred to as living fossils, and have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

One of the animals already on display is called Professor ‘Lew’, named after the Chinese for ‘dragon keepers’. Zookeepers will eventually introduce one of the other salamanders in an attempt to boost their numbers.

ZSL’s curator of amphibians, Ben Tapley, said: “Chinese giant salamanders may not be everyone’s idea of beautiful – I’ve heard them described as giant brown blobs with eyes – but Professor Lew’s crinkly purple tail and slimy smile have already made the newcomer a big hit with all our keepers, who have been finding any excuse to visit the Reptile House.”

Image (C) ZSL London.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.