RED SQUIRREL CONSERVATION - THE ASSESSMENT OF A REINTRODUCTION EXPERIMENT

The methods used to assess a red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris reintroduct ion experiment at Parco Groane, northern Italy, are described. Populat ion size at the removal site was estimated (c. 2400 squirrels) using d rey counts, to evaluate the effect of removing animals for reintroduct ion. suitability of the release site was investigated in two ways: (1) beforehand, by comparing tree seed abundance with that at the removal site, (2) retrospectively, by comparing drey-site choice between remo val and release site. Increase and dispersion of the reintroduced popu lation were monitored using drey counts and searching for species-spec ific feeding signs. Although only eight squirrels could be released (f our males, four females), the experiment was successful and by 1996 al l wooded habitats at Parco Groane were inhabited by squirrels.