On red alert for squirrel survival
Nov 12 2008 by Emma Pinch, Liverpool Daily Post
On red alert for squirrel survival
It’s not known how long the virus remains “live”.
Says Thom: “It’s an awful death for them. It would be immoral to put healthy squirrels in if the disease was still prevalent.”
Although antibodies to the pox have been found in victims’ bodies, the numbers – eight in 500 – are too small to stimulate much hope that this will be their means of survival.
Hopes are currently focused on halting the onslaught of the grey so reds can repopulate naturally. So a fat collar of land around their coastal refuge, incorporating Waterloo, Crosby, Halsall and Crossens, has been designated a buffer zone where greys are being removed.
This urban zone, rich in leafy back gardens and tree-lined streets might ultimately ensure the survival of the species on the Sefton coast, should the worst happen. Campaign groups like Little Crosby Red Alert group are collecting traps to collect the greys and are keenly monitoring healthy reds.
RED squirrels are regular visitors to Doug Wallworth’s garden in Crosby. They seem to like playing on the tightrope he’s rigged between trees and knotted with peanuts and fat balls. Doug, a former lab technician, religiously disinfects his bird and squirrel feeders every week.
If urban squirrels have been sheltered from the ravages of the pox, they’re less lucky with the car. Two of Doug’s squirrels have been killed within the space of a month on the road next to his house, and he’s petitioning the council for signs begging motorists to slow down.
“I do it because I love red squirrels,” says Doug. “They’re entertaining but not destructive. My wife and I spend many an hour having a cup of coffee and a chat while watching them.”
Recently, a slim ray of hope has opened up for conservationists. The autumn surveys have showed signs that red squirrels at the Ainsdale National Nature Reserve has enjoyed a small but significant recovery.
“From survey work we’ve gone this year from zero sightings to 12 recently,” says Thom.
“We don’t know for certain if they were here to start with or whether the have re-migrated from urban areas, but there are signs the population is recovering here.
“What is really worrying is that the disease will move back up the coast and attack the reserve afresh.”
Thom and partners in the National Trust and Natural England will do what they can on limited resources.
But it’s the eyes and quick actions of people like Doug who will make the difference.
As he says: “I’ve seen one squirrel with the pox and I don’t want to see another.
“The more people can make some contribution the better chance they have of survival.”
* TO READ more stories about the Formby squirrels log on at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/tags/red-squirrels/
