This week the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels initiative has seen a major boost with RSPB Scotland joining in to fight for Britain’s native squirrel. In an effort to protect the endangered woodland mammal, the wildlife conservation charity joined forces with five landowner bodies and five charities. The red squirrel population (Sciurus vulgaris), which was introduced from North America by the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), has declined dramatically since the 19th century. Since 1952., ninety-five per cent of England’s red squirrels were exterminated in Wales and England. 75% of remaining people in the United Kingdom live in Scotland. Red squirrel population will decline if we don’t help. Image: Wikimedia. Squirrel Pox is deadly to red squirrels. Red squirrels still face threat from competition from the greys of Scotland. The squirrelpox virus is transmitted to them as they compete for food, habitat and food. The Squirrel Pox Virus can be fatal for red squirrels according to Northern Red Squirrels. After being exposed for many years to the virus, grey squirrels are now immune to it. Grey squirrels can transmit the virus to other red squirrels. About 100% infected red squirrels die in the wild, often within 15 day of contracting the disease. Although vets can provide treatment if caught in time, success rates for this type of disease are very low. To stop greys from moving north, The Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project (SSRS), aims to continue trying to prevent the spread of squirrel pox and grey squirrels northwards through a program of grey squirrel control within a region that runs coast-to-coast on the Highland Boundary Fault. Aileen McLeod (Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform) said that Scotland has taken a forward-looking approach to protect its red squirrel population. This involves several organizations working together. Red squirrels are returning to their original habitats. “The numbers are rising in Scotland.” Dr. Aileen McLeod, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, stated: “Scotland has adopted a pioneering approach to protecting our red squirrel population, which involves a number of organisations working together.” Each year, SSRS conducts a huge survey in several areas of Scotland. This survey aims to capture the red and gray distributions each year. It is now in its fifth year and allows the organization build a picture about how native reds fare, as well as where gray squirrel control-work should be focused. Every spring, the SSRS conducts a large survey of grey and red squirrels. (Image: scottishsquirrels.org.uk) Scotland’s tree cover was once so extensive that a red squirrel could have travelled from coast-to-cost without once touching the ground. According to SSRS, there are currently only 120,000 grey squirrels remaining in Scotland. Stuart Housden is Director of RSPB Scotland. He said that there are only 120,000 red squirrels left in Scotland today. This compares to the half of grey squirrels. The partnership between RSPB Scotland and us is very positive. Mel Tonkin, Project Manager of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels said that while the project has been successful in reversing the declining trend in red squirrel numbers in Scotland, it will take many more years before the work can be truly sustainable. The RSPB is a well-respected organization that has a wealth of knowledge in long-term conservation. This partnership includes the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and Scottish Land & Estates as well as the Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. The SSRS invites people to report a sighting of squirrels. Video: Scottish Red Squirrels
RSPB Joins Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Pioneering Project
