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Red Squirrels Face Extinction in England Within 25 Years
2 May
Summary
- Red squirrels could disappear within 25 years, with only 15,000 remaining in England.
- A petition urging more action has gained over 75,000 signatures.
- Conservation groups demand a national plan for grey squirrel management and vaccine research.
England's red squirrel population faces imminent extinction, with projections indicating they could disappear within the next 25 years. Currently, only an estimated 15,000 red squirrels remain in England, part of a total population of 120,000 to 160,000.
An animal welfare group, Save Our Reds, has launched a petition with over 75,000 signatures, urging the government to implement a "joined-up national plan." This plan should include humane management of grey squirrel populations, which spread the fatal squirrelpox virus to red squirrels, alongside investment in squirrelpox vaccine development and fertility control research.
The group also highlights habitat loss and weak enforcement of existing protections as significant threats. While red squirrels are legally protected, their habitats are reportedly being destroyed.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated it is supporting research into fertility control for grey squirrels and actively monitoring and controlling grey squirrel populations in Cumbria and Northumberland. Defra also mentioned managing forest habitats to support red squirrel survival and working with partner organizations and volunteers.
