Red squirrel conservation plans set by experts
A centralised information hub could enable researchers to share information adn expertise.
Experts from across the country have shared recommendations to protect red squirrel populations in Scotland.
In a report from the group, participants said their plans would support the conservation and management of the species, while also aiding woodland biodiversity.
The group met at an expert workshop on health and disease in Scottish squirrels. This included wildlife veterinary surgeons as well as organisations including the Moredun Research Institute, Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute.
The representatives agreed that a squirrel conservation research network could collaborate on monitoring and researching the species.
This network would then be able to develop and manage a centralised information hub. The hub would enable them to share information on monitoring protocols, research data and expertise.
It has also been suggested that the network would enable enhanced interdisciplinary studies, as well as being extended across the UK. It could additionally be linked with the UK Squirrel Accord.
Workshop participants voiced their support for enhanced monitoring of the red squirrel population.
This monitoring would include disease monitoring, together with greater sample acquisition. This would also involve post-mortem examinations of red squirrels and a better understanding of disease threats at a population level in red squirrels and grey squirrels.
While additional funding would be necessary, experts say that ‘notable’ progress could be made with relatively low-level, long-term funding.
Dr Katie Beckmann, from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “An expert network with ownership of an information hub to support red squirrel monitoring and research in Scotland could be a powerful approach to better understanding and supporting this iconic species, for its conservation and for the benefit of wider biodiversity.”
Representatives from NatureScot, Heriot-Watt University, National Museums Scotland, Forest Research and the University of Liverpool also attended the workshop.
Image © Piotr Krzeslak/Shutterstock
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