LIFE+ U-SAVEREDS

The LIFE + U-SAVEREDS Project, "Management of grey squirrel in Umbria: conservation of red squirrel and Preventing loss of biodiversity in the Apennines" (LIFE13 BIO / IT / 000204), aims to the conservation of the Eurasian red squirrel (or, simply, red squirrel) in Umbria and to the protection of biodiversity in Apennines.

It faces the threat posed by the presence and expansion, in Umbria, of the alien Eastern grey squirrel. As occurred in the Britain and in northern Italy (especially in Piedmont), the grey squirrel may compete with the smaller red squirrel for space and food resources, finally replacing red squirrel throughout much of its range. The grey squirrel also represents a major threat to forest biodiversity and, given the core position of Umbria in the Italian peninsula and its high degree of ecological connectivity, there is a high risk of expansion throughout central Italy.

The goal of the Project will be pursued through actions including removal of the grey squirrels and restocking, where feseable, of red squirrel populations, as well as through the creation and implementation of a Communication Plan, aiming to the active involvement of all stakeholders. Information and communication are the key to promote correct behaviour towards non-native species and, more generally, to increase the public awareness in relation to issues of biodiversity conservation. These main actions will be complemented by activities of genetic screening and health monitoring of squirrel populations. On the other hand, the development of a strategic management plan for new foci of alien grey squirrels at the national level and the development of a protocol of extra-regional Early Warning System will focus on preventing the invasion of new areas by alien squirrels.

Thus, the project will also provide a first application of the new European Regulation (EU No 1143/2014) on the prevention and management of alien species, in force since January 1, 2015.

Web site Project : http://usavereds.eu