Wales (UK) gaat rode eekhoorn beschermen tegen oprukkende grijze eekhoorn

Wales fight to save red squirrels

09-02-2010 News Wales, UK


An iconic species, the red squirrel is in need of concerted conservation action to save it from extinction in Wales.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson and Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones have jointly approved a new conservation plan for the animals, which are now only found at handful of sites in Wales.

Many factors have contributed to the decline of red squirrel - competition from grey squirrels, the spread of disease and, to a lesser extent, habitat loss. Conservation of red squirrels depends on maintaining sites free from grey squirrels and ensuring suitable habitat for red squirrels.

First known reference in Wales was in the 13th century in the laws of Welsh prince, Howel Dda. Since the introduction of grey squirrels to the UK, reds have gradually declined.

Elin Jones said: “Red squirrels live and breed in trees, making their nests, or dreys, in them and feeding on tree seeds. At one time, red squirrels were found in the woodlands and forests throughout Wales and many people may remember seeing red squirrels in local woodlands during their childhood.

“Red squirrels are now only found at handful of sites in Wales with the main populations being on Ynys Mon, in Clocaenog forest and in the complex of forests of mid-Wales in and around the Tywi valley. Genetic studies have shown that each of these red squirrel populations contain DNA which is unique to Wales.”

Jane Davidson said: “In recognition of the importance of these three populations, we have agreed that Anglesey, Clocaenog and mid-Wales sites should be Focal Sites for red squirrels and that urgent strategic action is needed in these areas.

"We can no longer take red squirrels for granted, like other members of our fauna and flora, they have suffered as the result of the spread of a non-native species – the grey squirrel. We have a duty to protect red squirrels in Wales and to ensure that future generations will continue to have the privilege of seeing them in the wild.

(Bron: http://www.newswales.co.uk/)