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Grey squirrel cull |
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008 |
A major cull of grey squirrels will be undertaken in the south of Scotland order to create a ‘buffer zone’ against the spread of squirrelpox, a disease deadly to native red squirrels.
The Red Squirrels in South Scotland (RSSS) Project says it will conduct a “humane control” of grey squirrels in order to create the buffer zone. While they are not affected by the virus, grey squirrels are carriers of squirrelpox, which causes red squirrels to slowly starve to death over a number of weeks when infected.
The RSSS is a partnership developed by private land managers and embraces the Borders Squirrel Management Group, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural heritage and the Scottish Government.
Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
“The red squirrel is one of our most beautiful and valuable native species and Scotland is one of the few sanctuaries it has left. Since its arrival in the British Isles, the grey squirrel has gradually taken over with its more aggressive feeding habits, meaning that its red cousin is now endangered. To make matters worse, a new threat is heading north in the form of squirrelpox, lethal to the red squirrel and almost endemic in the grey population.
“To save the red squirrel it is absolutely vital that we stop the spread of squirrelpox. It is already spreading alarmingly across southern Scotland. Now is the time to act - we have only a short time to save the red squirrel from the brink of extinction. The Red Squirrels in South Scotland Project aims, not just to stop squirrelpox in its tracks, but ultimately to bring the red back into areas where the grey has taken over. Humane destruction of grey squirrels is absolutely necessary to make the project's aims a reality. There is simply no alternative.”
Readers have left 2 comments. 1. Grey squirrel cull
liz lawrie, Unregistered Can you tell me who I contact to get someone to cull the squirrels from my garden?
thank you
Liz Lawrie 2. Grey squirrel cull
Denise Fisher, Unregistered Please start with mine!
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