Red Squirrels in UK Face Extinction Threat as Grey Squirrels Dominate for 150 Years
The introduction of North American grey squirrels to the UK in 1876 has led to a significant decline in the native red squirrel population, now facing extinction.
The native red squirrel population in the UK has faced a severe threat since the introduction of North American grey squirrels approximately 150 years ago. Once numbering around 3.5 million, red squirrel populations have plummeted to less than 300,000 today. Experts indicate that grey squirrels, carrying a deadly virus and competing for habitats, are pushing red squirrels towards extinction.
Highlights
- Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK in 1876 by a banker and rapidly spread.
- The red squirrel population has declined by over 90% since the grey squirrels' arrival.
- Grey squirrels carry the squirrel pox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels.
- Experts emphasize the need to control the grey squirrel population to protect red squirrels.
- Efforts are underway to develop fertility control methods for grey squirrels.
Details
The first verifiable introduction of grey squirrels to the UK is widely believed to have occurred in 1876, when a Victorian banker, Thomas V. Brocklehurst, released a pair into Henbury Park, Cheshire, after a business trip to the United States. Since then, grey squirrels have proliferated, reaching a population of between 2.5 and 2.7 million in the UK. In stark contrast, some conservation groups estimate that only 15,000 red squirrels remain.
Jackie Foott from the British Red Squirrel conservation group states that red and grey squirrels cannot coexist in the same location. According to Foott, grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels for habitat and food, and transmit the squirrel pox virus, which is fatal to reds but harmless to greys. Additionally, grey squirrels cause at least £40 million in damage to forests and forestry services annually.
Why it matters
Red squirrels are a native species to the UK and play a vital role in the ecosystem. The spread of grey squirrels as an invasive species negatively impacts not only red squirrels but also the broader forest ecosystem. This situation highlights the urgent need for measures to preserve biodiversity and ensure the survival of native species. The government and conservation groups are exploring various methods to control the grey squirrel population, including trapping, culling, and future fertility control options.