Protecting Red Squirrels
One of the aims of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is the protection of red squirrel populations in the North through working to halt the decline of red squirrel populations in key areas in north Scotland through targeted grey squirrel control.
In the short-term the only way to protect Scotland’s remaining strong red squirrel populations is to tackle the red squirrel’s main threat; the spread of the North American grey squirrel. The arrival of grey squirrels in an area occupied by red squirrels causes reduced breeding and survival rate leading to the gradual decline of red squirrel numbers.
Grey squirrel control
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) aims to prevent further grey squirrel spread across north Scotland. This involves the delivery of a strategic grey squirrel management plan and a programme of targeted grey squirrel control. Our control activity focuses on halting further northward spread of grey squirrels in north Scotland by establishing a network of grey squirrel trapping at identified ‘pinch points’ on dispersal routes.
‘Pinch points’ are places where the landscape and woodland layout restricts the opportunities for grey squirrel travel to colonise new areas, forcing them to use a single route for expansion
Throughout the course of our three-year project, we will carry out surveys of red and grey squirrel distribution in target areas to determine whether grey squirrel control is a successful and effective method of red squirrel conservation. Our results could inform future decisions about red squirrel conservation work.
SSRS control methods
SSRS control methods are considered by DEFRA as the most humane method of control under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. All individuals undertaking control on behalf of this project must receive training in the Standard Operating Procedures developed by this project. All SSRS staff and volunteers must follow these standards when undertaking control on behalf of SSRS.
More than grey squirrel control
SSRS is about more than grey squirrel control. As part of a longer-term strategy, the project will also provide advice on improving habitat to help red squirrels thrive and increase in number.
The success of our work relies on involvement from landowners, foresters, and gamekeepers, as we aim to establish a network of landholdings all working together to achieve red squirrel conservation through grey squirrel control and habitat improvements. Read more about the work SSRS is doing in your area and find out how you can get involved today.
