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 the northern counties, particularly Cumbria and Northumberland and 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 has been called for by the UK Squirrel Accord. 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.
Wildwood continues to donate red squirrels to support The Clocaenog project in Wales. Our squirrels will boost their local red squirrel population which has declined over recent years.
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 coordinates this conservation-led group, and under the guidance of BIAZA we aim to foster a closer collaboration with all volunteers who are working to protect red squirrels.
All this work is underpinned by a 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 residing in zoos and private institutions.
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
