Species Action Framework

LATEST NEWS RED SQUIRREL (AND GREY SQUIRREL, an invasive non-native species)

9 April 2008

Work continues to implement The Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006 – 2011.

Work was commissioned jointly by SNH and Forestry Commission Scotland, in July 2006, to identify a suite of red squirrel stronghold sites which provide large and sufficiently viable areas of woodland to retain red squirrels even in the face of further spread of grey squirrels.  The first analysis was completed in January 2006 and this is currently subject to review.  It is anticipated that a list of candidate strongholds will be refined following consultation with key landowners and interest groups and published by SNH later in 2008;

The Scottish Squirrel Survey, funded by SNH, has also continued to collect records and, as of March 2008, has approximately 30,000 records of red and grey squirrels collated in Scotland since 2000;

Support has been given to the Scottish Government to help refine development of the Scottish Rural Development Programme to ensure the inclusion of financial support for grey squirrel control in strategic areas;

Squirrelpox virus continues to present a significant risk to red squirrels in East Roxburghshire/West Dumfriesshire and SNH continues to support two Grey Squirrel Control Officers to minimise this and the potential for further spread of the virus.  We continue to work with the Moredun Institute to clarify the current geographic spread of the virus and support them in their work to identify routes of transmission, both between grey squirrels and, potentially, to red squirrels;

SNH initiated support for grey squirrel control in Aberdeenshire to address the threat of further spread of grey squirrels in Deeside;

SNH contributed to investigation of immunocontraception as a means of controlling the grey squirrel population.  This work is in the early stages and requires considerable further development;

SNH funded a research contract to review methods of humane despatch of grey squirrels.  This will provide practical guidance to operators currently involved in grey squirrel control to ensure compliance with animal welfare requirements;

The need for dedicated support for Red Squirrel Conservation Officers was assessed by August 2006 and plans are currently being developed (through an SNH/SWT partnership) to establish a pan-Scotland red squirrel conservation project.  It is anticipated that the initial framework for this will be agreed by summer 2008 and implemented in 2008/09 subject to available funding;

Two meetings of the Scottish Squirrel Group held to co-ordinate activities across Scotland, and one meeting of the UK Group hosted by SNH.