The expansion comes as a response to changes in the range of the red squirrels, to reflect the current range of this species. For example, red squirrels have been observed at Cwm rhaeadr in the previous 18 months.
The buffer zone, which formerly followed the Teifi River, now encompasses Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron, and Lampeter. This means that grey squirrel control may now be undertaken in those urban areas. This is particularly important because grey squirrels are an invasive species in the UK, and they pose a serious threat to the native red squirrel population. Grey squirrels are larger and more aggressive than red squirrels, and they compete for food and habitat. They also carry the squirrel pox virus, which is deadly to red squirrels.
Grey squirrel control is crucial for the conservation of red squirrels. By reducing the number of grey squirrels and minimising the number of incursions into the focal area, we can help to protect red squirrels from extinction. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales strongly encourages people to use squirrel-proof bird feeders to limit the proliferation of grey squirrels.
The red squirrel population in mid-Wales has experienced a crash in the last year. Conservationists estimate that only 50-150 individuals remain, which is commonly cited as the tipping point for the survival of the species.
The Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership is working to protect and preserve red squirrels in mid-Wales. The project has now reached the end of its previous grant funding scheme, so it is crucial that long-term funding is secured in order to continue the crucial work to save this ecologically and culturally important species.
The conservation of red squirrels in mid-Wales is a challenge, but it is one that can be overcome with targeted conservation efforts and sustained local action to control grey squirrels.
Darren Millar, Red Squirrel Species Champion in the Senedd said, “This expansion represents a huge step forward for the Mid-Wales Red Squirrel Partnership, but the fight to save this quintessential species is far from over. We cannot save red squirrels without action, so if you do one thing, consider squirrel-proofing your bird feeders. Every free meal the grey squirrels raid from your garden increases their population and is another nail in the coffin for the reds.”
