Birth Control for Grey Squirrels? Science’s solution to save Red Squirrels from extinction
British scientists say that non-lethal methods of population control, like contraceptives, could allow red squirrels to recover by cutting the number of invasive grey squirrels.
The UK government has approved a project to control grey squirrel populations via non-lethal oral contraceptives.
Lord Goldsmith, an environment minister, says that invasive species including grey squirrels create damage in our woodlands costing the UK economy £1.8 billion annually.
What is the Grey Squirrel Mass Birth Control Plan?
The project should help eradicate the UK’s grey squirrel population without killing them, according to environment minister Lord Benyon.
He says it should reduce the “untold damage” that the species causes our woodland ecosystems and red squirrel populations.
The plan is to lure grey squirrel populations into ‘feeding boxes’ that are only accessible to them.
Inside, they will find hazelnut spread which has been treated with oral contraceptives, removing their ability to mass procreate.
How does the oral contraceptive work on Grey Squirrels?
The project’s lead scientist, Dr Giovanna Massei, and her team have developed a vaccine that causes female and male squirrels to become infertile.
It does this by triggering the immune system to block the production of sex hormones.
However, the vaccine is not permanent, thus ongoing tests are being conducted to find a dose that is long-lasting but non-lethal.