Red Squirrels

Question

Asked by

Baroness Quin
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the numbers of red squirrels in Northumberland in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008, and (e) 2009. [HL3229]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Davies of Oldham)
There is no reliable estimate of the red squirrel population because it is very difficult to carry out an accurate census; therefore no assessment has been made of the numbers of red squirrels in Northumberland.

In the areas where red squirrel populations remain, the densities can vary between 1 and 0.1 squirrels per hectare. Numbers are subject to significant fluctuation depending on environmental factors and breeding success.