Decision taken after public consultation
Red squirrels will not be introduced to the Manx countryside in the near future.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture went out to public consultation on the matter earlier this year and received more than 100 submissions, many favouring the idea.
However, experts in the UK and wildlife groups in the Island argued that the red squirrel isn’t in danger of extinction in the UK and could see no scientific basis for creating a refuge for it on the Island.
DEFA Minister Richard Ronan says whilst the introduction of red squirrels was popular with many including himself, many pitfalls were pointed out and its introduction would not currently be supported:
TT fans 'need to be able to book sailings far in advance'
Bride organising waste collection after Birchalls arrangement 'terminated'
Millennium Bridge to close nightly for maintenance work
DoI seeks to extend use of temporary silt removal and storage site
Chamber of Commerce calls on gov to address immigration challenges
TV series greenlit for former Isle of Man based author
