New conservation plan for red squirrels

Meeting the challenge of keeping reds in Wales

©Steward Ellett, highly
commended award winner,
2009 British Wildlife
Photography Awards. More on
www.bwpawards.org

Environment Minister Jane Davidson and Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones today jointly approved a new conservation plan for red squirrels in Wales.

An iconic species, the red squirrel is in need of concerted conservation action to save it from extinction. The new conservation plan puts this work on a surer footing, bringing renewed hope that future generations can continue to enjoy sightings of this much-loved mammal. (see red squirrel video footage on S4C website - http://www.s4c.co.uk/naturcymru/e_video-diary.shtml)

Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said: "In recognition of the importance of these three populations, we have agreed that Anglesey, Clocaenog and mid-Wales sites should be Focal Sites for red squirrels and that urgent strategic action is needed in these areas.

"We can no longer take red squirrels for granted, like other members of our fauna and flora, they have suffered as the result of the spread of a non-native species - the grey squirrel. We have a duty to protect red squirrels in Wales and to ensure that future generations will continue to have the privilege of seeing them in the wild."

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said: "Red squirrels live and breed in trees, making their nests, or dreys, in them and feeding on tree seeds. At one time, red squirrels were found in the woodlands and forests throughout Wales and many people may remember seeing red squirrels in local woodlands during their childhood.

"Red squirrels are now only found at handful of sites in Wales with the main populations being on Ynys Mon, in Clocaenog forest and in the complex of forests of mid-Wales in and around the Tywi valley. Genetic studies have shown that each of these red squirrel populations contain DNA which is unique to Wales."

Many factors have contributed to the decline of red squirrels - competition from grey squirrels, the spread of disease and, to a lesser extent, habitat loss. Conservation of red squirrels depends on maintaining sites free from grey squirrels and ensuring suitable habitat for red squirrels.

Other key actions in the new plan are to:

• Identify and monitor populations of red squirrels, including surveying all sites with records of red squirrels in the last 10 years, and monitoring Focal Sites;
• Prepare and implement red squirrel management plans for the Focal Sites;
• Establish community groups to support and join in the conservation effort;
• Establish and maintain a red squirrel database;
• Review the need for research - to assess, for example, the potential impact of climate change on red squirrel conservation.

Work to turn the Conservation Plan into action is being led by the Wales Squirrel Forum - a group chaired by the Countryside Council for Wales Its members include: Anglesey Red Squirrel Project; Clocaenog Red Squirrel Project; Confederation of Forest Industries; European Squirrel Initiative; Forestry Commission Wales; Forest Research; Local Biodiversity Action Plan representative; Mid-Wales Red Squirrel Project; Wildlife Trust Wales; Welsh Assembly Government.

Liz Haliwell, CCW's Mammal Ecologist said: "A lot of work is underway already to address the plight of red squirrels. With concerted action, based on this Plan - and with the excellent support we have from members of the Forum - there is real hope that this can become a conservation success story."

More about red squirrels:

• The only squirrel native to the UK.
• First known reference in Wales was in the 13th century in the laws of Welsh prince, Howel Dda.
• Since the introduction of grey squirrels to the UK, reds have gradually declined.
• Squirrelpox virus is a fatal infectious disease in red squirrels.