BASC welcomes milestone in grey squirrel fertility control research

[Conor O'Gorman]

In light of Red Squirrel Awareness Week this week, BASC is celebrating a major scientific breakthrough that brings new hope for the future of the UK’s native red squirrels.

BASC has welcomed the progress made by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA) in developing a world-first wildlife fertility control programme to tackle invasive grey squirrels.

As a signatory to the UKSA, BASC has supported the research from the outset. The development of an oral immunocontraceptive adds an important tool to existing control methods for grey squirrels, with the aim of protecting UK red squirrels, woodlands and biodiversity.

BASC welcomes milestone in grey squirrel fertility control research

BASC is marking Red Squirrel Awareness Week with news of a world-first breakthrough in grey squirrel fertility control research.

basc.org.uk

 

[jall55]

In light of Red Squirrel Awareness Week this week, BASC is celebrating a major scientific breakthrough that brings new hope for the future of the UK’s native red squirrels.

BASC has welcomed the progress made by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and UK Squirrel Accord (UKSA) in developing a world-first wildlife fertility control programme to tackle invasive grey squirrels.

As a signatory to the UKSA, BASC has supported the research from the outset. The development of an oral immunocontraceptive adds an important tool to existing control methods for grey squirrels, with the aim of protecting UK red squirrels, woodlands and biodiversity.

BASC welcomes milestone in grey squirrel fertility control research

BASC is marking Red Squirrel Awareness Week with news of a world-first breakthrough in grey squirrel fertility control research.

basc.org.uk

Where can we find more on this Conor ? Does the chemical breakdown or can it be passed on from species to species ?

 

[Buchan]

Immunocontraception works in one of two ways. A vaccine gets the body to produce antibodies to Gonadotrophic Releasing Hormone (GnRH) which is the "starter" hormone for all reproductive cycles or sperm production. Or the antibodies destroy the zona pellucida around the egg, preventing fertilisation. No hormones are used and so nothing can be passed to a different species eating the squirrel.

 

[Kalahari]

I remember live trapping squirrels and checking if they had eaten the baits for some of the initial studies for this with BASC. Quite intersting.

David.

 

[Apthorpe]

I certainly wouldn't miss either grey squirrels or rats. That said, I don't expect to see the widespread use of this product.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Interesting to see BASC supporting the eradication of a species that provides the UK small calibre rifle hunter with a;- the finest and b;- cheapest 'shooting sport' this side of the Purley Gates.

Keep up the good work on behalf of all types of shooting sports!

K

 

[Dalua]

...this side of the Purley Gates.

Presumably, Purley is on the other side.

 

[cjm1066]

I would miss the Grey Squirrel as quarry, but it would be lovely to see Red Squirrels back.

Prior to that a huge cull of Greys to enjoy.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Yep, gonna continue with my 2025 Squirrel Season and just hope BASC find it within themselves to forgive me for my use of all-lead ammunition.

K

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Interesting to see BASC supporting the eradication of a species that provides the UK small calibre rifle hunter with a;- the finest and b;- cheapest 'shooting sport' this side of the Purley Gates.

Keep up the good work on behalf of all types of shooting sports!

K

BASC is indeed working on behalf of all shooting disciplines and action on grey squirrels is an ongoing conservation effort. There is support for the shooting of grey squirrel from every local authority nature recovery strategy in England - BASC is involved in every consultation.

 

[Klenchblaize]

BASC is indeed working on behalf of all shooting disciplines and action on grey squirrels is an ongoing conservation effort. There is support for the shooting of grey squirrel from every local authority nature recovery strategy in England - BASC is involved in every consultation.

No doubt, but please draw the line at promoting the free issue of squirrel condoms!

K

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

No doubt, but please draw the line at promoting the free issue of squirrel condoms!

K

I will pass it on

 

[Reloader708]

We have both red and gray so I guess this won't be effective in these areas?