Red squirrels "would most likely die in Guernsey"

Saturday 29 May 2021

Red squirrels would not have the appropriate habitat or the food supply to survive here, says the Guernsey Biological Records Centre.

The red squirrel population, which is native to the UK, is dwindling and has been overtaken by the more common grey squirrel, which competes more successfully for food and carries a virus that often kills red squirrels if transmitted.

It has led to calls in the past to introduce the red squirrel to new habitats and jurisdictions where grey squirrels are not present.

Just this week, Deputy John Dyke asked Environment & Infrastructure President Lindsay de Sausmarez whether the committee would consider an appropriate tree planting programme on the island, coupled with the introduction of red squirrels.

Pictured: Deputy John Dyke wanted to know if the endangered red squirrel - whose population has plummeted to just 140,000 - could be introduced to Guernsey.

Deputy de Sausmarez suggested there would be "some nervousness to the idea of squirrels of either colour being introduced" in Guernsey. That has since been backed up by the Guernsey Biological Records Centre, who said Deputy Dyke's comments were timely, given that it is currently Invasive Species Week.

"Red squirrels are endangered in the UK but they're not native to Guernsey.

"It would be cruel [to introduce them to Guernsey] because they haven't evolved or adapted to live here. Islands have unique ecosystems and species frequently have to specialise to fit small and unusual ecological niches.

"So they'd most likely die. One main reason they'd die is we don't have the appropriate habitat."

5️⃣ In 2016 the Isle of Man proposed introducing red squirrels ???? @Mammal_Society was invited to provide expert advice. "No scientific grounds or conservation value in introducing red squirrels & Mammal Society did not support introduction"
Read it here⬇️https://t.co/OCouh7tUrq

— Guernsey_BRC (@Guernsey_BRC) May 27, 2021

The Records Centre added: "We need woodland and forests, and a healthy food supply available all year round. Red squirrels mainly eat seeds and nuts, supplementing their diet with fruit, plant shoots and fungi when not available."

The BRC said it applauds Deputy Dyke for his interest, but that the island needs to focus on looking after its own native wildlife.