8th March 2006

PUBLIC WANT NEW TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE THE RED SQUIRREL

The use of new technology to control grey squirrels and save red squirrels is called for in a new survey published today.  

The survey, on behalf of the European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) by NEMS Market Research, reveals that a clear majority of those questioned would welcome new research involving immuno-contraception (IMC), resulting in a non-lethal method of controlling American grey squirrels. 

“62.7% of those questioned favoured such a non-lethal method to remove all the American greys from the U.K.  This would allow the re-establishment of the red squirrel in the United Kingdom”, said Miles Barne, Chairman of ESI.  “What this survey clearly reveals is that providing the right tools are available, the public want to see the American grey squirrel removed and the red squirrel in our parks and woods”.   

The survey, which has been conducted on an annual basis for the last three years, indicates growing public awareness of the decline of the red squirrel and the need to control the grey squirrel in order to save the red. 

72% of those questioned, compared with 69% in 2005 and 2004, were aware that the grey squirrel was responsible for the decline of the native red squirrel.   

74% of those asked, compared to 68% in 2005 and 62% in 2004, felt that the grey squirrel should be controlled in order to preserve from extinction and restore the red squirrel population.   

The call for the use of new technology is loudest in Wales and the West Country at 72.5% of those questioned, while for the north-east the figure is 67.6%.  Southern England comes in at 65.2% while the north and the borders of Scotland are both at 64%.  The Midlands and the east of England are both at 61%, London 56.2% and Northern Ireland showing 43.8%. 

“The government must now invest in further research into immuno-contraception.  Some work has already been done and IMC has been used effectively in other parts of the world.  In order for any programme of control to be effective, more work needs to be done and more investment made”, said Mr Barne.  

The red squirrel has already disappeared from much of England’s landscape.  Scotland and the north of England are now the last strongholds of the red.  In Wales some small pockets exist, including a population on the Island of Anglesey.  

No-one can put a date on the extinction of red squirrels on mainland Britain, but it may be in the next 20 years”, warned Mr Barne. “Britain must take the lead in dealing with this problem, which is now not solely one for the U.K.  Grey squirrels are present in Italy and there is a significant and growing population which will spread into neighbouring countries within the next 20 years”.   

ENDS

Issued on behalf of the ESI by Kendalls. For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022.  Mobile:  07850 601354

NOTES TO EDITORS

The European Squirrel Initiative was founded in June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel in Europe.

Its role is to

Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel.

• Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.
• Copies  of the full report are obtainable from the European Squirrel Initiative, 01394 610022 or andrew.kendall@kendallscom.co.uk