Highlands' red squirrels get a helping hand
The strath’s red squirrels - the last bastion of the "real" red squirrel species - could benefit from a recent trip to Angus by Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse.
Leading Scottish conservation charity, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, welcomed his visit to Southesk Estate in Angus, where he saw the vital work being undertaken by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) – one of the Trust’s flagship projects.
It is a project to stop the decline of Scotland’s core red squirrel populations, to contain or slow the progress of squirrelpox spread in South Scotland and to improve conditions for viable red squirrel populations across Scotland.
The SWT, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and Red Squirrel Survival Trust have joined forces.
They have said the protection of red squirrels depends on a targeted network of project works and landowners delivering grey squirrel population control.
An important part of the project is the collection data to show whether this is achieving its goals.
Mr Wheelhouse said: "Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most recognisable and loved animals and Scottish Natural Heritage have recognised public affection by listing the red squirrel as one of Scotland’s ‘Big 5’ species.
"The work of SSRS in raising awareness of their plight in north-east Scotland is extremely important to preserving their future here and across Scotland.
"Since SSRS was formed we have seen some positive results as we work to halt the decline of the red squirrel numbers. A lot of this is due to the excellent cooperation between landowners, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), Forestry Commission Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage, which is taking place throughout many parts of Scotland".
In the UK there are roughly 2,520,000 grey squirrels and only 161,000 reds remaining.
Without the action from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project, it is estimated that the red squirrel could be lost within a lifetime.
