Red squirrels on verge of extinction in Northern Italy

Red squirrels are now “on the verge of extinction” in Piedmont, Northern Italy according to researchers at the Universities of Turin, Genoa and Varese. 

The information published earlier this month states that the disappearance of the red squirrel, the only native tree squirrel species in Italy, is caused by the grey squirrel, the species native to North America which was introduced into Italy 60 years ago. 

“The two species compete for food resource and the presence of the American grey squirrel is causing the local extinction of our European red squirrel which has disappeared from the area of over 1,000 km2,” said Dr Sandro Bertolino from the Department of Entomology & Zoology at the University of Turin.

“Red squirrels are now virtually extinct in a large area between the cities of Turin and Cuneo in Piedmont and they are under threat in most of north-western Italy” he added.

Studies by the Italian researchers have demonstrated that grey squirrels are expanding their range with a consequent negative effect on red squirrels as has been the case in Great Britain and Ireland.   Introduced in 1948 to Stupinigi, near Turin the area occupied by grey squirrels has been expanding rapidly.  In 1990 their distribution covered an area of approximately 200 km2, in 2000 this area had risen to 900 km2 however recent research by the University shows that in 2012 their distribution extends to an area of more than 2000 km2 and in most of this area red squirrels are no longer present.  In an area of 1150 km2 only grey squirrels are present. 

“This is devastating news for the European red squirrel,” said George Farr, Chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative. 

“This sad news from Italy demonstrates the relentless spread of grey squirrels and is a wakeup call to all those involved to ensure that greys are controlled and removed from Northern Italy to prevent further damage not only to red squirrels but also to the biodiversity of Europe as the grey squirrel continues its relentless territorial expansion,” he added.

The news from Italy comes as a new data catalogue of alien species published by the European Commission.  DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventory for Europe) database gives policy makers and the public access to a comprehensive overview of which alien species are present in Europe, as well as how these non-native species are effecting both the environment and society. 

The American Grey Squirrel is categorised within the top 100 “worst” species. 

ENDS

For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022. 

Notes to editors

The European Squirrel Initiative was founded June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel in Europe.

Its role is to:

Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel.Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.

www.europeansquirrelinitiative.org

Issued on behalf of the European Squirrel Initiative by Kendalls.

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