Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar has questioned the Welsh Government this week over what action it is taking to protect Red Squirrels.
Darren, who is the Red Squirrel Species Champion in the National Assembly for Wales, raised the issue in the Welsh Parliament yesterday to coincide with Squirrel Appreciation Day.
Calling for a Statement from the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs on the Welsh Government's efforts to protect endangered and threatened species in Wales, he said:
“You may or may not be aware that today is Squirrel Appreciation Day around the world, and as the Red Squirrel Champion in the National Assembly, I think it's very important that I take this opportunity to raise the important issue of red squirrel conservation across the country.
“Since the 1940s, the red squirrel population has gone from covering the majority of Wales to having a population in just three main centres, one on Ynys Môn, one in mid Wales, and one in the Clocaenog Forest in my own constituency. Now, I know that there are many species represented by many individuals in this Chamber, but I do think it would be an opportune time to request an update on the action that is being taken by the Welsh Government to protect red squirrels, and, indeed, other threatened species across the country”.
Darren was told the Minister would give his request for an update on action to protect the threatened species “due consideration”.
Darren added:
“These beautiful creatures were once common throughout Wales, but there are now only three main populations remaining. Smaller pockets may persist but their long-term future is unknown. I will continue doing all I can to protect this threatened species.”