Written question asked by Earl Peel (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006.

Squirrels

Question: What is the current estimated population of red squirrels in the United Kingdom; and how this number relates to the number under the red squirrels biodiversity action plan.

Answer: There is no reliable estimate of the red squirrel population anywhere in the UK because it is very difficult to carry out an accurate census. Numbers are also subject to significant fluctuation depending on environmental factors and breeding success, but our estimate is 140,000.At present those working on red squirrel conservation in England believe that the population in England may be somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000. A large proportion of these are in Kielder Forest.The species action plan for red squirrel does not include an estimate of the existing population or a target population figure.

Secondary information