Red squirrels to get their own island

Safe havens for red squirrels are to be set up in Scotland, on the island of Arran and in another 18 large forests on the Scottish mainland.

The intention is to protect the red squirrels from being overwhelmed by the grey species.

The hope is that eventually the havens will turn into attractive territory for red squirrels.

Arran and the other safe havens in Scotland will have many coniferous trees, giving food resources to the reds.

Grey squirrels are attracted to hazel, oak, chestnut and beech trees, which will not be planted in the havens to discourage them.

Greys entering the safe havens would be trapped and killed under the auspices of an initiative by the Forestry Commission for Scotland.

The red squirrel is one of the most endangered animals in Britain.

The non-indigenous grey squirrel, originally from North America, is the biggest threat since the two species compete for food and the grey squirrel carries a pox infection, which is only a risk for the reds and not the greys.

The Forestry Commission for Scotland would cooperate with managers and landowners to establish the safe havens, each comprising at least seven square miles.

Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Minister for Scotland, announced a consultation on the plan, saying that strongholds are an essential extra degree of protection for the continued existence of red squirrels in Scotland in the future.

Jo Ellis, an advisor at FCS, said she believes that the project will succeed since there is already ample proof that reds and greys can live apart.

Arran already supports a successful population of red squirrels.

The forests are right for red squirrels on Arran, and the sea, provides some defence, she said.

She added that she hoped that Arran would not be the last haven for reds because it is a small island.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is considering a major cull of grey squirrels in Scotland.

It is hoped the safe havens will be available as a precaution in the event that culling does not stop the proliferation of the invasive grey squirrels.