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UK's Bold Plan to Save Red Squirrels from Extinction

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK government is implementing a strategy to control grey squirrels and protect red squirrels.
The plan includes researching a contraceptive pill for grey squirrels and monitoring pine martens in Gloucestershire.
Grey squirrels number about 2.7 million, red squirrels about 38,900, with £37 million in annual damage.
Experts warn that without effective management, red squirrels could disappear from UK woodlands within a decade.

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Story summary

The UK government is implementing a strategy to control grey squirrels and protect red squirrels.
The plan includes researching a contraceptive pill for grey squirrels and monitoring pine martens in Gloucestershire.
Grey squirrels number about 2.7 million, red squirrels about 38,900, with £37 million in annual damage.
Experts warn that without effective management, red squirrels could disappear from UK woodlands within a decade.