THE GREY SQUIRREL An alien invasive species in

THE GREY SQUIRREL An alien invasive species in Europe Red Squirrel United Knowledge Fair 2017, Northern Ireland.

ESI Origins • Created in 2002 - foresters, conservationists, landowners and scientists. • Aim - to control and eradicate grey squirrels in Europe • Activity based on - Science and research - Public opinion

Grey Squirrel - Introduced in 1876 - Tree damage - Disappearance of reds - Falling population of woodland birds

320 g 500 g

Bio-impact: 100 hectare wood Red squirrels – 45 kg Grey squirrels – 400 kg

In the UK, doing nothing means • British red squirrels extinct • Declining bird populations in woodlands • Reduced seeds available for regeneration • Loss of tall forest trees by 2160 • Changing landscapes – broadleaved planting

The Position in Europe • Raising awareness within the European Union and member states • Seeking policy changes outlawing grey squirrels and requiring host countries to remove them

What has ESI done • Worked with Italian, French and Swiss governments • Invoked the Bern Convention • Lobbied for IAS legislation • Utilised Washington Convention • Highlighted problems with nut growers • Funded Italian research - ongoing • UK visits

Italian Research

Northern Italy CH FR 2005 Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

Northern Italy CH FR 2050 Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

Northern Italy CH FR 2100 Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

What is happening today • Italian government censured by Bern Convention • Tightening of IAS legislation • Targeted control in Ticino Valley • Further control in other areas • Ongoing research • The campaign continues

ESI in Italy

ESI Public Opinion - Regular public opinion surveys - Influencing legislation and public attitudes - Raising awareness in the European Union and Member States - Lead member of IAS/NNS legislation changes - Frequent parliamentary questions - Secured support of MP’s, MEP’s and Ministers - Stakeholder briefing campaign - Media relations campaign

Omnibus Survey Results • Q 1. Are you aware that the grey squirrel is responsible for the decline to almost extinction of the native red squirrel? Yes February 2009 74. 5% January 2011 74. 2% October 2016 71% • Q 2. Do you think the population of the alien grey squirrel should be controlled in some way in order to preserve from extinction and restore the red squirrel population? Yes February 2009 68. 5% January 2011 68% October 2016 62. 7%

Some ESI Research • • Woodland bird survey BTO 2003 The Grey squirrel review 2003 The Red squirrel review 2004 Northern Italy research 2006 IMC research 2009 - ongoing Trapping guidance - 2010 Effects of Grey squirrel on woodland birds – GWCT 2012 • Italian Pox virus 2015 - ongoing • Pine Marten research 2015 – ongoing • Lure research 2016

Some Recent Achievements • • 2010 Creation of RSST 2012 IMC Symposium 2015 Invasive Alien species conference 2016 Pine Marten Symposium

Recent Publications • Squirrel Newsletter - 33 editions • 3 newly published books

Where Next? • Prioritise grey control • Landscape Scale initiatives (BASC/ESI project funding) • Focus on woodland tree damage • Explore further scientific options for control

THE GREY SQUIRREL An alien invasive species in Europe Red Squirrel United Knowledge Fair 2017, Northern Ireland