1. THE GREY SQUIRREL An alien invasive species in Europe
Red Squirrel United Knowledge Fair 2017, Northern Ireland.

2. ESI Origins Created in 2002 Aim Activity based on
- foresters, conservationists, landowners and scientists.
Aim
- to control and eradicate grey squirrels in Europe
Activity based on
- Science and research
- Public opinion

3. Grey Squirrel - Introduced in 1876 - Tree damage Disappearance of reds
Falling population of woodland birds

4. 320g
500g

5. Bio-impact: 100 hectare wood
Red squirrels – 45kg
Grey squirrels – 400kg

6. In the UK, doing nothing means
British red squirrels extinct
Declining bird populations in woodlands
Reduced seeds available for regeneration
Loss of tall forest trees by 2160
Changing landscapes – broadleaved planting

7. The Position in Europe
Raising awareness within the European Union and member states
Seeking policy changes outlawing grey squirrels and requiring host countries to remove them

8. What has ESI done Worked with Italian, French and Swiss governments
Invoked the Bern Convention
Lobbied for IAS legislation
Utilised Washington Convention
Highlighted problems with nut growers
Funded Italian research - ongoing
UK visits

9. Italian Research

10. Northern Italy CH FR
2005
Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

11. Northern Italy CH FR
2050
Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

12. Northern Italy CH FR
2100
Study: Universities of Newcastle and Turin

13. What is happening today
Italian government censured by Bern Convention
Tightening of IAS legislation
Targeted control in Ticino Valley
Further control in other areas
Ongoing research
The campaign continues

14. ESI in Italy

15. ESI Public Opinion Regular public opinion surveys
Influencing legislation and public attitudes
Raising awareness in the European Union and Member States
Lead member of IAS/NNS legislation changes
Frequent parliamentary questions
Secured support of MP’s, MEP’s and Ministers
Stakeholder briefing campaign
Media relations campaign

16. Omnibus Survey Results
Q1. Are you aware that the grey squirrel is responsible for the decline to almost extinction of the native red squirrel?
Yes
February %
January %
October %
Q2. Do you think the population of the alien grey squirrel should be controlled in some way in order to preserve from extinction and restore the red squirrel population?
February %
January %
October %

17. Some ESI Research Woodland bird survey BTO 2003
The Grey squirrel review 2003
The Red squirrel review 2004
Northern Italy research 2006
IMC research ongoing
Trapping guidance
Effects of Grey squirrel on woodland birds – GWCT 2012
Italian Pox virus ongoing
Pine Marten research 2015 – ongoing
Lure research 2016

18. Some Recent Achievements
2010 Creation of RSST
2012 IMC Symposium
2015 Invasive Alien species conference
2016 Pine Marten Symposium

19. Recent Publications Squirrel Newsletter - 33 editions
3 newly published books

20. Where Next? Prioritise grey control
Landscape Scale initiatives (BASC/ESI project funding)
Focus on woodland and tree damage
Explore further scientific options for control

21. THE GREY SQUIRREL An alien invasive species in Europe
Red Squirrel United Knowledge Fair 2017, Northern Ireland