Animal 0 Posté(e) le 18 février 2008 Thousands killed in squirrel cull Greys are a major threat to the UK's native red squirrel Almost 12,000 grey squirrels have been killed in Northumberland in an effort to save the red squirrel. New figures reveal that two-thirds of the county's grey population, which spread a lethal pox virus, have been culled with government backing. UK native red squirrels are dying out because they cannot compete against the larger grey populations. The RSPCA said it "questioned" long-term culling and hoped the animals had been killed humanely. The Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP), funded by environment department Defra, carried out the cull and targeted grey populations from the Scottish Borders to the River Tyne. In just over a year, 11,615 have been culled using "humane pest control", according to the group's chairman, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Redesdale. There are two methods of culling - poisoning with warfarin or shooting the animals after being lured into traps with hazel nuts. Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply Lord Redesdale Lord Redesdale said: "Once we're tipped off about the greys, we move in and set traps which are instantly effective. "We can clear an area in matter of days, using staff specially trained in humane methods. "Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply." Greys were introduced from North America in the 19th Century and have led to a reduction in reds because of their higher breeding rates. There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5m greys. According to the RSPP, red and grey squirrels cannot live alongside each other, because reds cannot compete for food against the larger and more powerful greys. Strip bark Since 1930, it has been illegal in the UK to release a grey squirrel after it has been trapped, and it must be humanely killed. The reds have a strong-hold in Kielder Forest, but the RSPP predicts they will be extinct in Northumberland within 10 years. Grey squirrels are also considered a threat to woodland because they strip bark from trees. A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "We question whether culling is a long-term solution to this problem. "But if the scheme is in coalition with Defra we would hope and expect that animal welfare is a priority and everything is being done under licence and is within the law." The RSPP, which received £148,000 funding, is alerted to grey colonies by landowners or members of the public. The RSPP now plans to move on into County Durham. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7206813.stm Partager ce message Lien à poster Partager sur d’autres sites
Animal 0 Posté(e) le 18 février 2008 Woodland cull of grey squirrels Red squirrels are threatened by a virus carried by greys Woodland areas of County Durham are being targeted by teams aiming to cull grey squirrels. The move, by the government-funded Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP), is designed to protect Britain's native red squirrels, which are in decline. Thousands of greys have already been killed in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, but the RSPP says it needs to switch attention to County Durham. Volunteers predict about 100 greys a day will be trapped in the operation. RSPP chairman Lord Redesdale said: "It was obvious gaps created by clearing woods in south Northumberland could be quickly filled from the south so the team is now operating in County Durham to prevent this. Food supplies "This is a military-style operation, focusing on one wood at a time then after that is cleared the team moves to the next target. "We aim to push as far south as possible, although that will depend on future funding." Traps baited with hazelnuts are positioned after initial checks are carried out in specific areas to establish where greys are feeding. Numbers of native red squirrels have dwindled since greys were introduced in the 19th Century and rapidly dominated food supplies and habitats. The larger North American squirrels also carry a pox which is fatal to reds. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7246285.stm Partager ce message Lien à poster Partager sur d’autres sites
