UK Conservation - Red Squirrel Survival Trust Interview

16th April, 2009

Here's an interview with Elaine Karmy of the The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, which we have just done. Red Squirrels, one of Britains most loved mammals is under severe threat.

Can you tell us first a few things about the Red Squirrel?

The red squirrel is a species native to the UK. It has been in the UK since the Ice Age, over 10,000 years, and can be found across Europe and Asia. Red squirrels can live up to 7 years and their colour varies from a warm reddish-brown in summer to a deep brown with grey in winter, although other colours from pale cream to very dark brown can also sometimes be found. They usually have 3-6 kittens in each litter and can have 2 litters a year.

For more information: click HERE

Copyright: Sarah McNeil

As many will know, the Red Suirrel is threatened by the Grey Squirrel, why is this?

Red squirrels are threatened by the grey squirrel for a number of reasons:

a) Greys crowd out reds – the grey squirrel is much larger than the red (almost twice the size) and eats seven times more per hectare. They aggressively compete for food, crowding out reds until only greys are left. Greys are also able to eat food before it is ripe enough for reds to eat.

b) There is clear evidence that the presence of grey squirrel populations reduces the chances of young reds being able to live successfully in woodland after they wean.

c) Greys carry disease – 60% of grey squirrels in England and Wales carry the squirrel pox virus. While greys are immune to the disease it is deadly to reds.

What are the aims of your charity and how do you plan to achieve them?

The Red Squirrel Survival Trust is a national charity established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in the UK.

We aim to:

· Protect red squirrels by keeping reds and greys apart.

· Assist the winning reds in areas where red squirrel population numbers have stabilised or are increasing.

· Establish new red colonies across the UK.

· Fund research to develop a vaccine for the squirrel pox virus and to control fertility in greys.

· Raise awareness of the plight of reds in the UK.

· We believe the vital ingredients for success are dedicated leadership, strong community support, and a realistic policy of grey squirrel control.

We believe it is crucial that money is spent efficiently and wisely so favour targeted research, or practical projects that make a difference where it counts: on the ground.

Where in the country are red squirrel populations and are there any places they have recently become extinct?

The distribution of red squirrels has declined drastically in the last 60 years and are now virtually extinct in southern England. The populations that once existed in Thetford (East Anglia) and Cannock Chase (Staffordshire) died out in the early to mid 1990s. Reds are confined to the Poole Harbour islands, Isle of Wight, Formby/Southport area, North Yorks, and the two counties of Cumbria and Northumberland. In Wales, red squirrels are present in the Tywi valley, Clocaenog forest, and on Anglesey. However, in Formby the population has been devastated by squirrelpox, and has declined by more than 80%.

The populations in Anglesey, Cumbria and Northumberland are now increasing wherever there is grey control. RSST is supporting the local volunteers in making Cumbria a red squirrel county. In Scotland, there is government funding for substantial grey control in the Border regions which is helping the return of the reds

For distribution maps visit: HERE

How many breeding pairs do you think there are?

Red squirrels do not live as pairs, and animals have home ranges which overlap with individuals of both sexes. Males play no role in the rearing of young. So it better to consider populations in terms of adult numbers rather than as pairs. In Wales there are at least 500-600 adults, possibly 800, but certainly no more than 1000. In England, there are 15,000-20,000 adults, whilst in Scotland figures in excess of 150,000 are often quoted.

For those people with gardens in areas where red squirrel populations exist, is there anything they can do to attract them to their gardens?

You can put out squirrel feeders offering a variety of food, including hazelnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts or beech nuts. They will also eat fruit such as apples, pears, plums and also carrots. It is also important to provide a source of calcium, for example cuttlefish. Remember to keep all bird and squirrel feeders well disinfected. If you live in an area with reds, please support and/or get involved with the local volunteer group and make sure that they are notified of any greys.

A lot of people enjoy watching Grey Squirrels in their gardens, what would you say to them to convince them that the 'Greys' should be eradicated?

Grey squirrels are very damaging to the UK’s ecology as they are not a native species, unlike the red. Their introduction to the UK from America in the 19th century has not only led to the near extinction of red squirrels in the UK but has also been very destructive to woodlands and bird populations. They strip the bark from trees before they reach maturity and eat bird eggs and nestlings. Without the greys, reds can repopulate and those people who had previously enjoyed watching greys in their gardens will be able to enjoy watching reds.

Are you interested in hearing from people if they see red or grey squirrels in their areas, if so how can they report the information?

You can get in touch with us by emailing us at [email protected] and we can forward that information on. Alternatively check our website for your local groups and report your sightings to them directly: HERE

If you live in Cumbria or Northumberland please contact Northern Red Squirrels: View their site HERE

If people are keen to help protect Red Squirrels, what can they do to help? memberships, volunteering etc

You can become a Friend of RSST. Friends provide the charity with valuable regular support. Visit our website for details of how to become a Friend: HERE

Alternatively, volunteer and join a local red squirrel group. Check our website for details: HERE