Red squirrel populations wiped out in northern Italy

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/sep/27/red-squirrel-population-northern-italy


Red squirrel often die of a virus that is introduced by grey squirrels. Photograph: apexnewspix.com/Apex

Red squirrels have been wiped out from a large swath of northern Italy, threatening a further biodiversity crisis for the species on a par with its near extinction in the British Isles.

There are now no red squirrels left in an area of more than 1,150 square kilometres (sq km) in Piedmont, according to research from the universities of Turin, Genoa and Varese. On the edge of this large region, the species is also under threat from the incursions of grey squirrels.

If the spread of the grey squirrel continues unchecked, the species could spread as far as France, the scientists fear. They are calling for more research and control and conservation measures aimed at preserving the remaining red squirrel populations and containing the spread of the greys