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07 September 2007 NATURAL ENGLAND SQUIRREL POLICY CONDEMNED The proposal by Natural England to re-release grey squirrels into the wild has been condemned as a “conservation disaster” by a leading red squirrel charity. The European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) has criticised the decision by the government’s environmental advisors, Natural England, to bypass the conditions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act which states that the invasive alien grey squirrel once caught should not be released. “Grey squirrels cause untold damage to our fragile countryside and in particular the red squirrel. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) includes grey squirrels on its list of the worst 100 alien species in the world. It is unthinkable that the government should agree to grey squirrels being released into the wild,” said Miles Barne, Chairman of ESI. The European Squirrel Initiative has reacted to an article in a recent BBC Wildlife magazine, which stated: “Now, though, Natural England will grant licences in certain circumstances, allowing the release of some non-native species. This will make a huge difference to the rehabilitation of grey squirrels and muntjacs. Rehabbed greys can now be released in ‘acceptable’ areas (i.e. where there are no red squirrels).” Miles Barne commented, “The policy followed by Natural England to agree to the release of grey squirrels is not only irresponsible but sends the wrong signals to the public and all those concerned with our natural biodiversity. Grey squirrels not only spread a deadly disease to red squirrels but also devastate our trees and parks and raid birds’ nests. Nowhere is safe from the grey squirrel”. “When we asked Natural England to clarify their policy the spokesman said it would take 10 days to provide further information, but they would continue to sanction the release of greys.” Ends |
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