One of the Isle of Man’s leading nature conservation charities has spoken out against proposals to introduce the red squirrel to the island.
The Manx Wildlife Trust said the popular endangered rodent was never native to the Isle of Man and our energies should be devoted to preserving what we have instead of supporting a species that was never here in the first place.
The comments were made in the wake of a public consultation launched by the government’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, asking for people to submit their views on offering a habitat in the island for the squirrels whose numbers in the UK have diminished to a few disparate colonies in remoter regions.
A statement from the Manx Wildlife Trust said: ‘The Isle of Man has several iconic species which we should preserve before thinking of introducing new species onto the island and tying up our limited budgets.
‘Introducing red squirrels, that have not lived on the Isle of Man sends out a false message and could have a devastating impact on our Manx wildlife.
‘The trust is against introducing the species and impacting on our habitats that are already battling with other environmental pressures.’
Currently the trust is working to conserve the island’s puffins and ensure they do not become extinct in the Isle of Man and will be working this spring with the Manx Ornithological Society and Manx National Heritage to help puffin colonies recover in the Calf of Man. The trust spokesman said food sources could prove to be limited for them which might have the counter productive effect of encouraging them to feed on birds’ eggs.
Dr Tim Graham of the trust said: ‘They are an alien species and we just don’t know what havoc they may unleash when the island’s wildlife has never had to live with them before.
‘We are preparing for some great work on the Calf of Man which helps highlight the kind of work and responsibility we should be taking seriously in the Isle of Man.’
He added: ‘We need to look at our other species that need help to recover - and people would clearly love to come and see.
‘We are working to protect Manx wildlife so that future generations can enjoy the return of spectacular Manx sights and species such as large numbers of the Manx shearwaters and puffins on the Calf of Man,’ he said.
Launching the red squirrel consultation, DEFA minister Richard Ronan said currently legislation means squirrels can only be brought to the island under licence and cannot be released.
‘There is strong affection for red squirrels. With numbers declining in the UK, they could be an added draw for visitors and show the island plays its part in international conservation,’ he said.