Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged fellow MSP’s to give their backing to Squirrel Appreciation Day and believes that the Scottish Government should create their very own Scottish Wildlife Appreciation Day.
A 2013 poll placed the red squirrel as Scotland’s second favourite animal, behind the golden eagle.
Recently, calls were made for immune-contraceptives to be used as a means of sterilising grey populations in areas of strategic importance to the red squirrel.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The red squirrel holds a special place in the hearts of many Scots and our countryside would be a poorer place without their presence.
“Despite conservation efforts the red squirrel faces a difficult future due to the deadly pox virus carried by the grey squirrel, therefore I would urge the Scottish Government to step up their current initiatives, especially in key areas like Perthshire.
“Wildlife plays an important part in our culture and I would like to see the Scottish Government build on the success of 2013’s ‘Year of Natural Scotland’ and create a day in the calendar to appreciate the diversity of our indigenous wildlife.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors, motion enclosed below.
Title: Squirrel Appreciation Day
Motion Text:
That the Parliament welcomes Squirrel Appreciation Day on 21 January; understands that Squirrel Appreciation Day was established in 2001 by the North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator, Christy McKeown; notes that the red squirrel was recently voted Scotland’s second favourite animal, after the golden eagle; recognises the red squirrel’s inclusion in Scottish Natural Heritage’s list of "Big Five" native species; believes there to be 12,000 red squirrels in Scotland; recognises that the future of the red squirrel is under threat from the squirrelpox virus carried by the alien grey squirrel; understands that Perthshire represents the battleground between red and grey populations, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to step up its protection efforts with increased use of exclusion zones, trapping and habitat protection initiatives.