Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Monday, 30 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 July 2008. It was answered by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 July 2008 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Red Squirrels

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how often the size of the population of the red squirrel is estimated; and when it was last estimated;

Answer: There is no reliable estimate of the red squirrel population because it is very difficult to carry out an accurate census. In the areas where red squirrel populations remain, the densities can vary between one and 0.1 squirrels per hectare. Numbers are subject to significant fluctuation depending on environmental factors and breeding success.Red squirrels are not controlled under the Bern convention. They are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are the subject of a species action plan (SAP) as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Secondary information