Jersey Becomes a Sanctuary for Endangered Red Squirrels
The British island offers a thriving habitat for red squirrels, largely due to the absence of the grey squirrel.
Jersey, a British Channel Island, is emerging as a critical refuge for red squirrels, a species facing significant decline in mainland Great Britain. The island's success is primarily attributed to the complete absence of grey squirrels, which carry a virus lethal to their red counterparts.
Red squirrels are considered endangered in the UK, with an estimated population of 120,000 to 160,000 individuals remaining in the wild. While various conservation projects are underway to bolster their numbers, Jersey presents a rare stronghold where the species is thriving. Although not native to the island, having been introduced in 1885, red squirrels are now considered "naturalised" and have become an iconic symbol of Jersey.
Henry Glynn, an ecologist with the National Trust of Jersey, noted that many visitors from the UK express a desire to see red squirrels during their island stay, as they are difficult to spot in many parts of the mainland. The National Trust of Jersey has identified the island as an "important refuge" where red squirrels are "fairly widespread," particularly in inland valleys and woodlands. The species is legally protected on Jersey, making it a criminal offense to harm them.
Nina Powell, senior animal carer at the JSPCA (Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), highlighted that Jersey boasts a "good population" of red squirrels, observable in numerous locations. She attributes their success not only to the lack of grey squirrels but also to active community support, including the provision of feeders. Despite habitat loss elsewhere, Jersey maintains numerous nature reserves. Conservation efforts also include the installation of rope bridges to help squirrels cross roads, and the implementation of low speed limits to enhance their safety.
While 75% of the UK's red squirrel population resides in Scotland, and some strongholds exist in England, often on islands, Jersey's unique environment has fostered a particularly robust population. The species has even been featured in tourism campaigns by Visit Jersey, underscoring their significance to the island's identity.