Wildlife

UK Red Squirrel Conservation Welfare

Red squirrel conservation in the UK involves management of grey squirrel populations and disease, with welfare considerations for both species.

Key Facts

Red squirrels are native to the UK and now restricted to northern England and Scotland
Grey squirrels introduced in 1870s competitively displace reds and carry squirrelpox
Grey squirrel control programmes use lethal control including trapping and shooting
Contraceptive bait programmes are in development as a more welfare-positive alternative
Red squirrel supplementary feeding and nesting box provision supports remnant populations

Welfare Considerations

Red squirrel conservation involves difficult welfare trade-offs between lethal grey squirrel control and red squirrel population welfare. Humane trap-and-kill methods minimise grey squirrel suffering. Development of immunocontraception offers a future welfare-positive control alternative.

What You Can Do

Support red squirrel conservation organisations in northern England and Scotland
Contribute to grey squirrel contraceptive bait research funding
Create habitat in gardens that supports native wildlife including red squirrels