Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The Grey squirrel pose a threat to Scotlands Red Squirrel by taking over the Red's territories and the spread of the squirrelpox virus.
The damage that grey squirrels can do to managed woodland is considerable due to their habit of excessive bark stripping. Beech, Oak and Sycamore woods of between 10 and 40 years growth are particularly at risk and sometimes whole plantations can be destroyed unless the squirrel numbers are carefully controlled. Squirrel control is best carried out during early spring (March/April) just before the period of maximum tree damage (May/June/July).
The grey squirrel is regarded as an invasive non-native species following its inclusion under Schedule 9 of the WCA. Grey squirrels are also listed in the IUCN international list of 100 worst invasive non-native species. This highlights the damage that grey squirrels cause to our native flora and fauna; a problem severe enough to be recognised at a level of global significance. As such, the grey squirrel is regarded as a pest species, and is afforded no protection under the WCA.
The Grey's can be controlled by the careful setting of cage trap's. Cage traps are particularly effective for squirrel control where both grey and red squirrels are present, so any red squirrels caught can be safely released.
The Grey squirrels have been in Aberdeenshire for some time , around 1950 and more recently a working group comprising Scottish National Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Executive in a response to a request from the Deputy Minister of Environment and Rural Development. It represents an integrated and effective approach to the long-term conservation of the Red Squirrel in Scotland.
Full report :-The Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011
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LATEST NEWS RED SQUIRREL (AND GREY SQUIRREL, an invasive non-native species)
Work continues to implement The Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006 – 2011....