Castle protection for last 'true west country' red squirrels

The red squirrels of Brownsea Island, one of the most important populations of the native mammal in Britain, have captured the hearts of the island’s castle. A scheme to protect some of the last red squirrels in southern England has received a boost from The John Lewis Partnership, which runs the Brownsea Castle as a holiday centre for its staff. John Lewis Partnership was one of the original donors that helped to save the island from developers back in 1961 and they have now agreed to sponsor Dorset Wildlife Trust’s red squirrel adoption scheme for a second year, contributing to vital conservation work to maintain the pine woods for this threatened animal.

How do we know where the squirrels are from?

The population of about 200 red squirrels on Brownsea Island and a small number on other islands in Poole Harbour are the only ones left in Dorset, surviving here because the grey squirrel has not crossed the water. Elsewhere in the county and across much of England the greys, introduced from North America, have competed successfully for food and nest sites and brought a virus which can kill our native squirrels. Recent studies by Dr Wei-Jun Liang and colleagues of Bournemouth University have examined the DNA of the population, with results so far indicating that most of Brownsea’s squirrels are of genuine west of England stock, while other red squirrels on islands in Poole Harbour may have been introduced from further north. The team is able to extract DNA from the hair of dead squirrels and studies are continuing as samples (including museum specimens) become available.

How can I get involved?

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s red squirrel adoption scheme gives people the opportunity to contribute to management of the habitiat of this surviving population on the National Trust owned island. Chris Thain, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s reserve manager on Brownsea Island, said: “The population of red squirrels is significant for the U.K., providing a healthy gene pool of this endangered native mammal. This is achieved as a result of careful woodland management and we are very grateful to our neighbours John Lewis for their support for the red squirrel adoption scheme, which helps to fund this work.”

If you would like to help protect the last true west country red squirrels, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/adopt or contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or eking@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk. Last orders to give adoptions for Christmas 15th December.

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Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Chris Thain at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01202 709445.
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Bournemouth University red squirrel research please contact Dr Wei-Jun Liang for more information on 01202 966675 or wjliang@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Dr Wei-Jun Liang analysed the haplotypes of 18 Red Squirrel of Furzey Island using the hypervariable region I of mtDNA extracted from their hairs. Preliminary conclusions: According to analysis and the comparison to the publication by Hale et al (Conservation Genetics 5: 167-179, 2004), although not yet conclusive, it appeared that the 16 Furzey red squirrels are more similar to those of UK north/northeast regions (similar to those of Netherlands and Spain). The other two red squirrels are more similar to those from UK west region post 1980 but with some sequence differences. But all the samples from the Furzey island share one nucleotide polymorphism with those from UK western region post 1980. Therefore, the majority of those squirrels may have originated from north/northeast (similar to those of Netherlands and Spain). The two might have relations with those from UK western regions, which share more similarities with those of Sweden and Italy).

He then analysed 6 Red Squirrel of Brownsea Island The 4 red squirrel of Brownsea Island are similar to the non-majority of the Red Squirrel of Furzey Island (similar to those from UK western region). But the two other red squirrels of Brownsea Island share similarities with the two in Furzey island (UK north/northeast origin) . The team plans to analyse more from Brownsea but are waiting for more samples. It will be useful to conduct more research on those from Isle of Wight, and other parts of the UK, including museum specimens. Please contact Dr Wei-Jun Liang if you have access to specimens.

About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve.

The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.