Red squirrel extinction warning

Published on Monday 27 February 2006 11:43

SCOTLAND'S native red squirrel population is likely to be extinct by the end of the century unless urgent action is taken to combat a deadly "squirrel pox" virus.

Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin was due to issue the warning at the first international conference on red squirrel conservation in Edinburgh today. Scotland has around 121,000 red squirrels, but grey squirrels, first introduced in 1892, are now widespread and can carry the virus without showing any symptoms.

Ms Brankin said: "I am proud that Scotland is home to 75 per cent of the UK's red squirrel population and in my view our efforts here today represent the last hope for this iconic species."