Members of the Senate yesterday approved a bill which gives legal basis to the creation of a Protected Species list.

?The (Protected Species Act 2003) is designed to afford protection to Bermuda?s endangered species of plants and wildlife, to protect their habitats, and to ensure their survival for the benefit of future generations,? said Government Senate Leader Michael Scott as he introduced the bill.

Bermuda?s birds and marine species are protected to some degree by previous legislation, he said. However ?there is currently no protection for threatened terrestrial species?.

The Environment Ministry has been working with biologists to develop a preliminary list of about 50 species that may be listed under the Act, he said. Some of the more likely candidates include: the Bermuda Skink, Governor Laffan?s Fern, the Bermuda Sedge, the Wild Bermuda Pepper, the Bermuda Petrel or Cahow, the Longtail, the Common Tern, the Land Hermit Crab, and the Great Land Crab.

?The basic premise for this initiative is that without Government intervention, certain species will become critically endangered or, indeed, extinct,? said Sen. Scott. ?These species are an important part of global biodiversity and are especially important to Bermuda?s natural heritage.?

Government pledged to safeguard the environment when former Premier Jennifer Smith signed the Environment Charter for UK Overseas Territories on September 26, 2001, he said.

The Charter states: ?The Government of Bermuda will ensure the protection and restoration of key habitats, species and landscape features through legislation and appropriate management structures and mechanisms, including a protected areas policy, and attempt the control and eradication of invasive species.?

?The bill responds directly to this commitment,? said Sen. Scott. ?(It) provides the legal basis for Bermuda?s endangered species of wildlife and plants. However, the success of this initiative will depend upon community support for, and commitment to, the bill?s worthy objectives.?