| Motion for Action to Protect Red Squirrels
A parliamentary motion in the Scottish Parliament has been lodged that calls on the Scottish Government to take action to safeguard the future existence of the Scottish native red squirrel, including research into immunocontraception for grey squirrels in order to stop them breeding.
The parliamentary motion sets out MSP Murdo Fraser’s concerns about the continuing encroachment of the non-native grey squirrel in Scotland on red squirrel territory, including parts of Angus and Perthshire.
Scotland is the last stronghold in the United Kingdom for red squirrels and is home to approximately 120,000 reds, which accounts for 75% of the UK red squirrel population. This is compared to a population of over 2.5 million grey squirrels in the UK.
Co-existence Impossible
Commenting, the MSP said: “I am deeply concerned about the future of the Scottish native red squirrel if we allow the non-native grey squirrel to continue to encroach on red squirrel territory.
“Red and grey squirrels are unable to co-exist together and red squirrels eventually disappear from an area that has both reds and greys due to competition for food. Furthermore, grey squirrels carry the squirrel pox virus which is harmless to greys but fatal to reds.”
He continued: “Areas such as Perthshire and Angus are now at the boundary of red squirrel territory and I do not want to see the red squirrel being wiped out in our local area. The Scottish Government must consider immunocontraception for grey squirrels in order to protect red squirrels and stop the rapidly increasing number of grey squirrels.
Last Stronghold
“Scotland is the last stronghold in the UK for red squirrels but they are under increasing pressure from greys. During April, the first grey squirrel was officially reported in the Highlands and in Summer 2007 we had the first confirmation of a red squirrel in Scotland dying from squirrel pox, showing that the disease had entered the country.”
He concluded: “These incidents underline that urgent action is required to protect the red squirrel in Scotland and I want the Scottish Government to take action that will safeguard the long term future of the red squirrel.
“If we do not see real action to help the red squirrel then I fear that we will see the eventual extinction of our native red squirrel in Scotland and the UK.”
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