28th February 2006

EU SUPPORT FOR GREY SQUIRREL CONTROL

An influential E.U. parliamentary group has given its backing to a proposal that further action should be taken to control grey squirrels throughout Europe.

At a meeting in Strasbourg last week the Intergroup on Sustainable Hunting, Biodiversity and Countryside Activities, chaired by Swedish MEP Lena Ek, adopted a resolution which called for funding to develop a humane and effective method of eradication of the grey squirrel.  It also demanded the removal of the grey squirrel from northern Italy, in particular from the Ticino Valley.

The MEP’s voted to support the motion following discussion with the British based European Squirrel Initiative who had highlighted the problem caused by the invasive alien American grey squirrel in the U.K., Ireland and Italy.

“We are delighted with this strong showing of support from E.U. politicians”, said Miles Barne, Chairman of ESI.

“Their support for further action to deal with the problem is very encouraging and hopefully it will bring the message home to politicians, here in the U.K., of the need for decisive action backed up with the proper funding to find an effective method of control, such as immuno-contraception”, he added.

The Intergroup acknowledged that invasive alien animal species represents one of the major threats to biodiversity, as well as causing severe economic damage to forestry and agriculture.  In addition, it urged the European Commission to speed up the process of adopting an integrated policy on invasive alien species, dealing not only with their introduction but also their spread and eradication.

“The grey squirrel problem is not simply one for the U.K. alone, as well as a strong presence in Ireland the grey squirrel population of Italy is expanding rapidly and is threatening neighbouring countries such as France and Switzerland.  Action must be taken at a European level before it is too late,” added Mr Barne.

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.

Text of Intergroup Resolution

Resolution on invasive alien animal species

(Formally adopted by the Intergroup on 15.02.06)

Following their meeting of 14^th December 2005 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs, Members of the Sustainable Hunting, Biodiversity & Countryside Activities Intergroup:

- Note that invasive alien animal species represent one of the major threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction, and also cause severe damages to forestry and agriculture;

- Underline that the further spread of invasive alien species will lead to the decline and even the extinction of many native European species;

- Call on the EU institutions, in particular the European Commission, to follow the example of the Council of Europe and adopt an integrated policy on invasive alien species, aiming first at preventing their introduction, secondly at eradicating them when prevention fails and thirdly at restricting their spread when eradication is not feasible;

- Encourage further scientific research to assess the ecological and socio-economic impact of invasive alien species;

- Highlight the threat posed by the American Grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis for the survival of the European Red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris in Ireland, Italy and UK, request a ban on the keeping of, trade in, translocation of, release into the wild of and importation of Grey squirrels, ask for funding to develop a humane and effective method of eradication and demand the eradication of this species from Northern Italy, in particular from the Ticino Valley, according to the Recommendations of the Council of Europe.