Protecting the red suirrels

[Meles meles]

As a little continuation on a previous thread;

"Grey squirrels, Kill them or love them"

Since people obviously have strong views on this subject I thought we could look at it from a different view.

What do we think we can do to help protect the few areas left for the reds.
And i dont mean shooting every grey??

For example, they dont fly or swim so how is it possible that some have been seen on the IOW???

[kshotton45]

Originally Posted by Meles meles

As a little continuation on a previous thread;

"Grey squirrels, Kill them or love them"

Since people obviously have strong views on this subject I thought we could look at it from a different view.

What do we think we can do to help protect the few areas left for the reds.
And i dont mean shooting every grey??

For example, they dont fly or swim so how is it possible that some have been seen on the IOW???

There's a fact file on reds and greys from the Forestry Comission here ........
Forestry Commission - Fascinating red squirrel facts
In the list are some gems! 'They can be left or right handed'!
Or , - 'they can swim' ! I wouldn't expect them to reach the IOW though!
Surely a contraceptive 'pill' is the logical path to take. Has this been tried?

Keith.

[thunder]

Quote
For example, they dont fly or swim so how is it possible that some have been seen on the IOW???
Endquote

You might as well say "How is it possible some have been seen in Britain?" !!!

henrya

[Meles meles]

thanks for the replies.
I realise i kind off asked the obvious,
Just the other thread was getting a little over heated

Will check that link though.

[kshotton45]

RE: Grey Squirrels, Love Them or Cull Them.

Thanks for that Graham. Now we can all unwind !!!


Sammy.

[jdurbo]

Originally Posted by kshotton45

RE: Grey Squirrels, Love Them or Cull Them.

Thanks for that Graham. Now we can all unwind !!!


Sammy.

Very good!!
jen xxx

[kshotton45]

On our local TV news there was an item reporting that Reds are being bred for release at Drayton Manor Park. They intend to release them in Staffordshire - which is my neck of the woods.
I suspect that Cannock Chase will be a favorite release site. It's good to see that something positives being done for one of our native species.
Has anyone any idea of other suitable sites in Staffordshire.

Keith.

[jdurbo]

Originally Posted by kshotton45

On our local TV news there was an item reporting that Reds are being bred for release at Drayton Manor Park. They intend to release them in Staffordshire - which is my neck of the woods.
I suspect that Cannock Chase will be a favorite release site. It's good to see that something positives being done for one of our native species.
Has anyone any idea of other suitable sites in Staffordshire.

Keith.

Don't you think you have enough squirrels in your neck of the woods?
But really thats great news!!

jen xxx

[kshotton45]

The news item gave the numbers as :
Red Squirrels 145,000
Grey Squirrels 2.5 Million

It's going to be an immense task to protect the Reds. I still think the scientists will have to come up with a contraceptive that specificly targets Greys. The Reds must be helped, but culling is only a containing measure. A long term plan must be sought.

Keith.

[Meles meles]

Originally Posted by kshotton45

The news item gave the numbers as :
Red Squirrels 145,000
Grey Squirrels 2.5 Million

It's going to be an immense task to protect the Reds. I still think the scientists will have to come up with a contraceptive that specificly targets Greys. The Reds must be helped, but culling is only a containing measure. A long term plan must be sought.

Keith.

Just to add to the reds struggle,
Did you know that the grey carries a parapox that ONLY effects the red???
I wonder if its possible to alter the genetics of the parapox??