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In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting Britain’s dwindling red squirrel population, the government has announced its support for research into a contraceptive solution for grey squirrels. These invasive rodents, introduced from North America in the 19th century, have proliferated to an alarming 2.7 million, severely threatening the survival of native red squirrels and causing significant damage to woodlands across the country.
The Grey Squirrel Conundrum
Grey squirrels, with their numbers exploding, have become a notorious competitor for resources, outpacing native red squirrels and spreading the squirrel pox virus, which is deadly for reds but harmless to greys. This drastic imbalance has resulted in a staggering decline in red squirrel numbers, now estimated at just 38,900, confined mainly to the remote fringes of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The economic toll of grey squirrels is equally concerning, as their destructive feeding habits—particularly bark-stripping—are estimated to cost the economy around £37 million annually in England and Wales alone. This situation has prompted urgent calls for effective management strategies to not only safeguard the native species but also to mitigate financial losses.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
In response to these challenges, the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy over the next five years, which includes encouraging landowners to manage grey squirrel populations through financial incentives and expert guidance. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has also acknowledged that current control methods have been deemed “ineffective” by many, with a particular focus on non-lethal solutions gaining public support.
One innovative aspect of this strategy is the exploration of an oral contraceptive designed specifically for grey squirrels. The aim is to deliver this contraceptive via a feeder accessible only to the invasive species. This method is still in the research phase, but its potential to significantly alter the dynamics between greys and reds is promising.
The Role of Pine Martens
Further complementing these strategies is the reintroduction of pine martens in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Once a common sight in English woodlands, pine martens have largely disappeared due to habitat loss and hunting. Their return could provide a natural control mechanism, as they are known to prey on grey squirrels, thus helping to rebalance the ecosystem.
Officials from Forestry England will closely monitor the impact of these reintroduced pine martens, particularly following the successful release of 35 individuals between 2019 and 2021. The hope is that their presence will contribute positively to the management of grey squirrels and, in turn, support the recovery of red squirrels.
Voices from the Field
Heather Harris, communications officer for the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, emphasised the urgency of this initiative. “The Government’s new squirrel strategy rightly acknowledges grey squirrels as a widespread non-native species, posing a serious threat to red squirrels and the health of woodland ecosystems,” she stated. Harris warned that without concerted and sustained efforts to manage grey squirrel populations, red squirrels could vanish from UK woodlands within a decade.
As the strategy unfolds, the RSRN is backing research led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency into non-lethal fertility control methods, urging for trials that assess the safety and effectiveness of the contraceptive feeder mechanisms.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a pivotal moment in conservation efforts, underscoring the interconnectedness of species and the delicate balance of ecosystems. As grey squirrels continue to threaten the native red population and the health of woodlands, measures like contraceptives and the reintroduction of natural predators could play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. The success of this multifaceted approach could not only revive the red squirrel population but also restore the integrity of Britain’s woodlands, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
