Red Squirrel breeding and reintroductions
Red squirrels are native to Britain, and have lived here for over 10,000 years.
The introduction of an American species of squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), the grey squirrel, in the late 1800s set in motion conditions that drastically reduced the number of native red squirrels in the UK. The grey squirrel can out-compete the red squirrel for food resources, and it also carries the squirrelpox virus which is fatal to reds.
By 1945 much of England had very few or no populations of red squirrels, and today the range in England is restricted to island populations (where being surrounded by water gives added protection from greys), such as the Isle of Wight, Brownsea, Poole harbour and Mersea.
Without conservation efforts, red squirrels could face extinction in England, and urgent action is needed to save them.
The latest news - December 2024
A red squirrel recovery strategy for England is currently underway. Funded by Natural England, postgraduate researchers at ZSL are developing a plan to protect red squirrels and facilitate their reintroduction into England.
They have called on experts across the field to collaborate, and Wildwood is actively contributing to this strategy. The final report is expected in 2025.
In addition, we are involved in a small-scale release project in Wales. This reinforcement effort aims to bolster the local red squirrel population, which has declined since our initial reintroduction. Wildwood has been providing squirrels to support this program.
Why do red squirrels need protecting?
Grey squirrels are a common sight across much of the UK and are often seen in parks, gardens and woodlands. In contrast, native red squirrel populations have moved to remote, wilder locations are now confined to specific areas, such as on the Island of Anglesey, in northern counties of England such as Cumbria and Northumberland and in Scotland.
Scotland is the stronghold for red squirrels and a recent successful translocation project has introduced new populations into the Highlands.
To ensure their survival, red squirrels must be kept separate from grey squirrels, as the two species cannot coexist in the long term.
What is Wildwood doing to help?
Since 2002 Wildwood Trust has been successfully breeding Red squirrels and supporting reintroduction projects on Anglesey Island and in Clocaenog Forest in Wales.
In partnership with other leading conservationists, we have established a national breeding group to promote good husbandry practices and share best practice for managing red squirrels in captivity.
Wildwood leads this conservation-led group, which also aims to collaborate with volunteers in Northern England who are working to protect red squirrels from the spread of grey squirrels.
All this work is underpinned by studbook, meticulously maintained by Welsh Mountain Zoo.
How does a studbook work?
A studbook is an essential tool for managing breeding projects. It records detailed information about each individual squirrel, including those in zoos and private collections.
By maintaining this data, we can ensure a healthy and genetically diverse population, which is vital for supporting future conservation efforts.
The studbook provides comprehensive records of each squirrel's bloodline and parentage. These 'pedigrees' allow us to analyse the genetic makeup of the population, ensuring it remains robust and genetically balanced.
This carefully managed group of squirrels serves as a reservoir of squirrels that can be reintroduced to areas of England when conditions are favourable for their survival.
Scientific evidence
