One of the main aims of the Project which covers Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire is to influence the management of these forests to ensure the continued survival of this declining native species in these woodlands. So far over two survey periods 32 red squirrels (from three sites) have been trapped.

DNA analysis revealed four different haplotypes within the mid Wales population (a haplotype is a set of closely related genetic markers present on one chromosome, which tends to be inherited together; mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the maternal line and is useful in studies of population ancestry).

Three of the four haplotypes had been previously recorded in Wales, however this was the first time their presence had been recorded within a single locality and two of the haplotypes would appear to be unique to the mid Wales population.

It is thought that red squirrels in Wales belong to a relatively narrow lineage that may include an ancestral Welsh population. Other British populations comprise more widely mixed lineages, influenced by the introduction of European reds to the UK in the 19th century.

The results of genetic analysis have implications for both the conservation of local populations and the conservation of red squirrels in Wales as a whole and the population is the most genetically divers in Wales.

Squirrelpox virus. Grey squirrels were present in various densities in project areas with significant numbers infected.

It is of concern that some greys trapped were caught in remote areas where greys would not be expected in such numbers - 8 km from nearest broadleaved woodland which is their favoured habitat.

It should be emphasized that the excellent survey results achieved will not by themselves conserve the red squirrels in mid Wales! Further survey work is required but ultimately, it is the management of the forestry that has to be addressed, as it is this factor that is critical to the survival of our red squirrels.

We have to influence forest management and work much more closely with forest managers to maintain suitable habitat for the reds and reduce future risk from the greys, which appear to have reached further into areas of the forest than had been anticipated.

The project's aim is that Tywi Forest be designated a Red Squirrel Reserve with red squirrel conservation as one of its primary objectives for future forest management.

We acknowledge that forest managers (public and private) have other, sometimes, conflicting management objectives but the Project feels strongly that red squirrel conservation can be a primary management objective alongside other management/conservation targets.

Focal areas for reds identified within the forest should be managed principally for red squirrel conservation with appropriate buffer zones and connectivity between areas.

There should be grey squirrel control within forest with a target of eradication of greys in focal areas and constant control effort within buffer zones. Corridors of likely encroachment into focal areas should be targeted."

Article written by Isabel Macho