Wildlife

Wild Red Squirrel Conservation and Welfare

Red squirrels are now restricted to a few UK strongholds due to competition from grey squirrels and squirrelpox virus, requiring intensive conservation management.

Key Facts

Red squirrels survive in Scotland, Northumberland, IoW and a few other refuges
Grey squirrels introduced in the 19th century carry squirrelpox fatal to red squirrels
Grey squirrel management through humane trapping is used to protect red squirrel populations
Supplementary feeding stations for red squirrels also deliver squirrelpox vaccine-laced bait
The UK red squirrel population is estimated at 160,000, primarily in Scotland

Welfare Considerations

Red squirrel conservation involves welfare considerations for both red squirrel individuals and the grey squirrels managed to protect them. Humane methods and targeted intervention are essential.

What You Can Do

Support red squirrel conservation trusts in your region
Volunteer for red squirrel monitoring and supplementary feeding programmes
Advocate for humane grey squirrel management methods in red squirrel protection areas