Our native (UK) red squirrels are iconic to our country and beautiful. however they are in danger of becoming extinct in the UK within the next 10 years. 

Red squirrels (sciurus vulgaris) are native to the UK, living in woodlands and conifer forests. Due to this, they have an important role in maintaining the ecology of our conifer forests by spreading the seeds (Clocaenog Red Squirrels Trust, n.d.). Unfortunately they have become under increased threat not only due to the growing population of grey squirrels but also due to habitat fragmentation. This is where natural areas, which provide the much needed safety for these beautiful animals, are destroyed by land development and tree felling, causing the habitat to become disconnected (Martin, 2018). 

The JSPCA animal shelter recorded that out of 337 deceased squirrels, they found 50% of their red squirrel deaths to be road traffic injury related. There is no protection from habitat fragmentation causing these road traffic fatalities (JSPCA, n.d.). Another study found up to 65% of deaths have all been related to traffic (Nottingham Trent University, n.d.).  

What I'm asking is that when land is built upon, whether it is roads or buildings, red squirrel populations must be monitored and considered. There are no laws or regulations protecting red squirrels from habitat fragmentation. This type of habitat loss has a devastating effect on red squirrels and reverses all of the hard work put in for the conservation of red squirrels. 

Red squirrel populations should be considered when planning new land development.