Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Red squirrels have reddish brown fur, with bushy tails and large tufty ears. Adults can grow up to 24cm long and weigh approximately 350g. The squirrel’s tail can be long approximately 17.5cm.
Ecology
Competition from the grey squirrel is the major threat to the survival of red squirrels within the UK, along with Squirrelpox virus (SqPV) (Thomas et al, 2003) and habitat fragmentation (UKBAP). The grey squirrel was first introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; this species has multiplied and spread rapidly to the disadvantage of the native red squirrels. If left unimpeded, the non-native grey squirrel population will replace the native red squirrel over most of Scotland and the rest of the UK, within the next 50–100 years. Scotland holds approximately 70-75% of the UK population at present. Red squirrel population in England is fragmented and in Wales it is confined to discrete woodland patches but predominantly large coniferous plantations.
Grey squirrels are carriers of the Squirrelpox virus and are unaffected, but it is thought that they transmit it to red squirrels which can be fatal and is a major threat to the remaining UK red squirrel population. Originally infestations occurred in England but in 2005 the first grey squirrels carrying SqPV were found and in the south of Scotland which was followed approximately two years later by the appearance of squirrelpox disease in the local red squirrels (McInnes C.J et al, 2009).
Legislation
Red squirrels are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which means that they are protected. In summary under this act it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take (capture) a red squirrel, intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place a red squirrel uses for shelter or protection or disturb a red squirrel while it is occupying such a place. It is also an offence to possess a dead or live wild red squirrel, or any part of a red squirrel; sell, or offer for sale, a wild red squirrel or any part of a wild red squirrel.
Under Section 11 of the Act, it is also illegal to set in place a trap, snare, electrical device for killing or stunning or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying substance; use a decoy, gas or smoke, bows or cross-bows, explosives, automatic weapons or mechanically propelled vehicles which are of such a nature and so placed as to be calculated to cause bodily injury to a red squirrel.
Red Squirrels and Planning
The red squirrel is a legally protected species and because of this it is Government policy that the planning system should take the presence of the species into account as a material consideration when making planning decisions. The planning authorities are also expected to seek advice from the statutory nature conservation organisation and consider the use of planning obligations or agreements to ensure the species and its habitat are protected. The red squirrel is also listed as one of the Government’s priority species.