Red squirrels released on Wester Ross estate

Red squirrel. Credit SNH.

Janaury 2009. 32 red squirrels have been released in the North West Highlands of Scotland in an attempt to boost their conservation. The squirrels were translocated to woodland on the 33,000-acre Dundonnell Estate in Wester Ross.

The project aims to re-establish red squirrels in the north Wester Ross area and was instigated by the Rice family, who own the Dundonnell Estate. They approached the well-known ecologist and wildlife consultant Roy Dennis to see if the plan was feasible.

Roy Dennis
He prepared a project proposal which was examined by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Highland Red Squirrel Group. Following detailed discussions with SNH, Mr Dennis received a licence from SNH to live trap 50 squirrels from a number of locations in the East Highlands and translocate them to the Dundonnell Estate.

Absent for 30 years from the north and west Highlands
The red squirrel has been absent from the north and west Highlands for around 30 years and it is hoped that this experimental translocation project will extend its breeding range and provide a refuge from the threat of non-native grey squirrels. The greys carry the squirrelpox virus which is lethal to the reds, but non lethal to the greys.

Nest boxes and feeders
Roy Dennis explained: "Some squirrels were placed in individual nest boxes located in the woodlands for immediate release into the wild, and others were ‘soft released' after spending a short time in large aviaries in the woods getting used to their new surroundings. All of them have access to squirrel nest boxes and feeding stations to help them acclimatise to their new home. The feeders are regularly topped up with nuts and seeds.

"I visited a similar project in Wales and took advice on the best techniques to use to ensure that the squirrels have the best chance of surviving. It is hoped that this translocation will help ensure a viable population in this part of Scotland and a refuge for the reds in the face of the march northwards of the grey squirrel and give experience in successful translocation techniques for the benefit of red squirrel conservation.

No grey squirrels
"There are no greys in the North West and Dundonnell Woods is not a location they could reach easily as there are no corridors of woodland for them to spread from." (Wildlife Extra wonders why the red squirrels disappeared in the first place)

Ron Macdonald, SNH's head of policy and advice, added: "Whilst encouraging this project, it is very much experimental and SNH would need to look at the results carefully before making firm decisions about the future of other trial translocation projects.

"SNH's involvement has been to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the donor population of squirrels. We have also provided advice to ensure that the project is adequately monitored and reported on so that lessons can be learned from it. The project required a licence which was issued by SNH.

"Additionally, guidelines emphasise the importance of animal welfare and health screening. The squirrels will be checked by a vet during the translocation period and the project includes very careful monitoring of the squirrels over a five-year period."

Spreading out from release site
Since their release in November, the squirrels have been regularly using the feeding stations and have moved into conifer woods up to 500 metres from the release sites. They have been observed by local people and one has been seen over the hills beside Loch Broom.

Jane Rice commented: "One squirrel amazed us all by turning up in woodland on the shore of Loch Broom to the north, having crossed several miles of open hillside and moor, and is now near Leckmelm. It must be the Ranulph Fiennes of the squirrel world! At this rate, the spread of the red squirrels may go well beyond Dundonnell. They are enchanting animals."

The project has been greatly helped by estates and individuals in Moray and Strathspey, who gave permission for live trapping, and vets from Grantown on Spey and Edinburgh Zoo who checked the health of the squirrels. The successful first phase would not have been possible without the financial backing of the Rice family.