Gray squirrels pose a threat to UK biodiversity, endangering native red squirrels, warn UK green campaigners. The red squirrel population has dwindled to around 160,000 and is on the Red List of British mammals. Gray squirrels are thought to be a major contributor to the decline in numbers as they compete with red squirrels for food and resources.
Green campaigners have warned that grey squirrels, introduced to Britain in the 19th century, pose a significant threat to the native red squirrel population and the country's biodiversity.
Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, has urged the government to take action to control the grey squirrel population, emphasizing the importance of Anglesey, an island off the coast of Wales, as a stronghold for red squirrels in the UK.
"Red squirrels have been under threat from their American grey cousins since their introduction here in the 19th century," Crosbie stated. "Anglesey, as an island, is one of the few strongholds left for this animal in the UK."
She stressed the need to protect red squirrels by reducing the grey squirrel population. "We must do all we can to protect this native species, and that does mean keeping the population of greys down to allow our red squirrels to thrive where they can," Crosbie explained.
While advocating for humane methods of grey squirrel control, Crosbie acknowledged the need for competent individuals to carry out trapping and culling. Additionally, she mentioned plans to implement contraceptive techniques and support research into gene editing as potential solutions.
The red squirrel population in the UK has dwindled to an estimated 160,000, placing them on the Red List for Britain's Mammals. Grey squirrels are considered a major factor in this decline, as they outcompete red squirrels for food and resources.
Kitty Thompson, nature program manager at the Conservative Environment Network, highlighted the broader ecological impact of grey squirrels. "Grey squirrels are a menace to British biodiversity," Thompson asserted. "As well as driving down our red squirrel population, they harm our trees and woodlands."
Thompson explained how grey squirrels damage trees by stripping bark, leaving them vulnerable to pests, diseases, and even death. She emphasized the need to address the grey squirrel problem to achieve the UK's biodiversity goals.
Thompson proposed a two-pronged approach: controlling grey squirrel populations and restoring red squirrel habitats. Additionally, she advocated for pine marten reintroduction projects, as pine martens can help control grey squirrel numbers while coexisting with red squirrels.
"We should support pine marten reintroduction projects and the vital accompanying research to save our red squirrels and woodlands," Thompson concluded.
