Red squirrels 'close to extinction' in England
Summary
Red squirrels in England are at risk of disappearing within 25 years, with only about 15,000 left in the country. A wildlife group, Save Our Reds, has created a petition asking the government to take stronger, coordinated actions to protect these squirrels and control the invasive grey squirrel population.Key Facts
- Red squirrels in England are close to extinction, with only 15,000 remaining there.
- The total UK population of red squirrels is estimated between 120,000 and 160,000.
- Grey squirrels from North America carry a virus deadly to red squirrels that contributed to their decline.
- Habitat loss and weak enforcement of protections also harm red squirrel survival.
- Save Our Reds has gathered over 75,000 signatures urging urgent protective measures.
- The group wants a national plan to manage grey squirrels, develop vaccines against squirrelpox, and support fertility control research.
- The government says it monitors red squirrels and controls grey squirrel numbers to help red squirrels thrive.
- Forestry England manages forests with sustainable methods to support wildlife, including red squirrels.
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