Formby red squirrels killed by Parapox virus (1 Viewer)

[ikw101]

Sad news from Formby earlier today

NATIONAL Trust wardens expect the recent outbreak of squirrel pox to sweep through Formby’s treasured population of reds.

However, they are optimistic there is still time to prevent the fatal disease from wiping out the protected animals entirely.

Two were discovered dead in Formby’s pinewoods after contracting the disease while a further three were found in the vicinity of Scarisbrick and Great Altcar. Based on sightings, wardens fear that even more squirrels are affected.

Can't find an icon for gutted

 

[NickPatel92]

Sad news.

 

[Peewit]

Cannot search for the few words to say that the Reds, are still getting a raw deal in life. :-C

I really hope that there is a way found to prevent any further Squirrel Pox from spreading as it is before it is too late.

We can only keep wishing here. :-C

Regards
Kathy

 

[devilbirder]

Terrible news. I assume you all saw them on Autumnwatch.

 

[Peewit]

Terrible news. I assume you all saw them on Autumnwatch.

Hi Devil Bird

Yes, I do remember this area being talked about in the program.

I just feel sad that this horrendous disease has occurred here. All I can say is anyone who is local to this area is report anything that you see - even if it is seen as small and irrelevant to the naked eye. :-C

http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/autumnwatch/content/yourautumn

Just a reminder from Autumn Watch. I really hope the news is better in the near future.

Regards
Kathy

 

[Barred Wobbler]

This doesn't make me sad at all. It makes me so bloody angry.

we are watching an extinction in progress and still there are people saying "Oh well, there are so many greys there's not much we can do, and they are just as cute really".

 

[ikw101]

An extinction in progress - well said Alan.

I'm not convinced Greys can ever be totally removed from this country but surely a cure for Parapox can be found. At least this would enable the reds to survive in coniferous forests. The current philosophy of buffer zones and isolated reserves is merely delaying the extinction. We urgently need to persuade Natural England to re-assess their attitude and pathetic response.

Last year, the Government authorised a fresh cull of greys in Formby, but despite being warned that parapox passed on by grey squirrels, could wipe out the sanctuary’s reds in four years they ignored the demands for their eradication as “neither feasible nor desirable”. Well the inevitable has happened.

 

[KLH]

Very sad news indeed.........

Absolute shame:-C

 

[tracker]

Vigilance is vitally important here.

This area where the Reds are found is a local patch for me. These woodlands, without the Red Squirrels, would be a very empty place.

The following link gives some great info about the work being done to help Red Squirrels in various locations, and the problems caused by Squirrel Pox (SQPV) : http://www.saveoursquirrels.org.uk/red-squirrel-conservation/squirrelpox-information

Heres a few images Ive taken of the Squirrels at Formby:

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Absolutely fantastic photos Tom.:clap:

That news is really tragic. I hope somebody starts sorting it out before it's too late.

Ron

 

[ikw101]

I believe back in 2005 English Nature commissioned a report on the feasibility of developing a parapoxvirus vaccine for red squirrels.

The scientists employed from Moredun Research Institute confirmed they believed it should be possible to develop a vaccine which would help prevent the decline of the red squirrel in the UK. The report costed the development of a vaccine up as circa 500k plus 90k per annum.

Does anybody know whether English Nature/Natural England instructed them to proceed. If not, why not? I'd rather see my tax being used for conservation than compensating Bernard Matthews or Redgrave Farm.

Tom - superb photo's. A lack of light under the pines usually ruins mine.

 

[KLH]

Lovely photos Tom. I do hope that a vaccine is developed.

 

[Peewit]

Vigilance is vitally important here.

This area where the Reds are found is a local patch for me. These woodlands, without the Red Squirrels, would be a very empty place.

The following link gives some great info about the work being done to help Red Squirrels in various locations, and the problems caused by Squirrel Pox (SQPV) : http://www.saveoursquirrels.org.uk/red-squirrel-conservation/squirrelpox-information

Heres a few images Ive taken of the Squirrels at Formby:

Hi Tom

The pictures of the Red Squirrels are lovely to look at, thank you for sharing them with us.

Sorry Ikw cannot assist you with your question, but will have a look on google though.

Regards
Kathy

 

[tracker]

Glad you like the images;and thanks for the comments

ikw, just to add, all these images were taken using natural light; which is a challenge in itself, living here in NW England! lol

Interesting point you make about the vaccination; Im curious to see what decision was made.

 

[Farnboro John]

An extinction in progress - well said Alan.

Last year, the Government authorised a fresh cull of greys in Formby, but despite being warned that parapox passed on by grey squirrels, could wipe out the sanctuary’s reds in four years they ignored the demands for their eradication as “neither feasible nor desirable”. Well the inevitable has happened.

Why did they say it wasn't desirable?

John

 

[ikw101]

Why did they say it wasn't desirable?

John

Not sure bit mystifying perhaps they know the buffer zone philosophy isn't working. Please see article in Liverpool Daily Post dated 26 Nov.

Surprising to hear Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has insisted plans to fell 75 hectares of woodland in Sefton – almost one quarter of the coastal woods – must go ahead. “It is anticipated that habitat that could support up to 22 red squirrels will be lost as a result of the proposed felling.”

In a response to a petition, the Environment Secretary insisted squirrel numbers were “thriving”, adding: “The refuge hosts a population of between 500- 800 red squirrels.

“Red squirrel populations are not confined to the refuge area, but cover 50 square kilometres from Crosby to Southport and neighbouring areas of West Lancashire, giving an overall population of 1,000-1,500.”

Mr Benn said the trees had to be felled to allow dunes to be restored, which would return the Sefton Coast site of special scientific interest (SSSI) to “a favourable condition”.

I'm not sure if it was picked up elsewhere in the forum but a few months ago BBC Wildlife Magazine carried an article suggesting that Natural England will be granting licences to allow rehabilitated grey squirrels to be released in “acceptable” areas (i.e. where there are no red squirrels). As invasive non-native species are considered the second most important threat to biodiversity worldwide, after habitat loss, it seemed rather strange that Natural England, whose mission statement is to “conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscape and wildlife in rural, urban and coastal marine areas” should be instrumental in such an action. Since then Natural England have released 257 Grey Squirrels.

Unfortunately at the moment Natural England's sole strategy for ensuring the survival of the red squirrel appears to be the buffer zone philosopy. This ensures there will always be an interface where reds and greys meet and as a consequence outbreaks of squirrelpox virus will continue to occur. In contrast a widespread cull of the Grey would free up a massive amount of habitat that would result in the surviving/missed Greys seeking to consolidate their existing range rather than expanding into new Red dominated territory.

Has anybody found anything out about the development of a vaccine? 500k to get the wheels in motion and 90k p.a to develop a vaccine seems like money well spent. It'd be an excellent PR opportunity for the Lottery or big business ?????