The Recovery of Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Populations After Intensive Control Programmes

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Lawton ◽  
John Rochford
Keyword(s):  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Grey Squirrel ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Intensive Control

scholarly journals Novel combination of CRISPR-based gene drives eliminates resistance and localises spread

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicky R. Faber ◽  
Gus R. McFarlane ◽  
R. Chris Gaynor ◽  
Ivan Pocrnic ◽  
C. Bruce A. Whitelaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Driving Forces ◽  
Spatial Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Grey Squirrel ◽  
Gene Drives

AbstractInvasive species are among the major driving forces behind biodiversity loss. Gene drive technology may offer a humane, efficient and cost-effective method of control. For safe and effective deployment it is vital that a gene drive is both self-limiting and can overcome evolutionary resistance. We present HD-ClvR in this modelling study, a novel combination of CRISPR-based gene drives that eliminates resistance and localises spread. As a case study, we model HD-ClvR in the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), which is an invasive pest in the UK and responsible for both biodiversity and economic losses. HD-ClvR combats resistance allele formation by combining a homing gene drive with a cleave-and-rescue gene drive. The inclusion of a self-limiting daisyfield gene drive allows for controllable localisation based on animal supplementation. We use both randomly mating and spatial models to simulate this strategy. Our findings show that HD-ClvR could effectively control a targeted grey squirrel population, with little risk to other populations. HD-ClvR offers an efficient, self-limiting and controllable gene drive for managing invasive pests.

scholarly journals The genome sequence of the eastern grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin, 1788

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Dan Mead ◽  
Kathryn Fingland ◽  
Rachel Cripps ◽  
Roberto Portela Miguez ◽  
Michelle Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Sex Chromosomes ◽  
Genome Assembly ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Grey Squirrel ◽  
Individual Male ◽  
A Genome

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Sciurus carolinensis (the eastern grey squirrel; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Eutheria; Rodentia; Sciuridae). The genome sequence is 2.82 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly (92.3%) is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal-level scaffolds, with both X and Y sex chromosomes assembled.

Immunocontraception in rodents: a review of the development of a sperm-based immunocontraceptive vaccine for the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. D. M. Moore ◽  
N. M. Jenkins ◽  
C. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Oral Immunization ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Grey Squirrel ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Contraceptive Vaccine ◽  
Population Turnover ◽  
Contraceptive Vaccines

The strategy for developing contraceptive vaccines for wild rodents will depend on the species. In rats and mice, high all-year birth rates, high levels of dispersal and promiscous mating systems suggest that, if immunocontraception was used alone, >90% of the population would have to sterilized to achieve the desired control. In Britain, the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) may be a better candidate to investigate the feasibility of a contraceptive vaccine in rodents. This introduced species is a seasonal breeder with a much lower population turnover than rats or mice. As well as causing damage to woodland, it has ousted the native red squirrel (S. valgaris) from most of the UK. A humane and selective method for the control of grey squirrels is therefore highly desirable Numerous sperm-specific antigens have been identified on rodent spermatozoa. Monoclonal antibodies to particular components block sperm–egg interactions in laboratory animals and cross-react with grey squirrel spermatozoa. In vitro fertilization assays indicate that squirrel sperm–egg binding may be inhibited also. Currently, a cDNA library obtained from grey squirrel testis is being screened to identify genes encoding specific sperm antigens involved in fertilization. Methods of enhancing immunogenicity after oral immunization using microparticle carriers and immune-stimulating complexes are currently under investigation.

scholarly journals Alien shades of grey: new occurrences and relevant spread of Sciurus carolinensis in Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emiliano Mori ◽  
Rachele Amerini ◽  
Giuseppe Mazza ◽  
Sandro Bertolino ◽  
Roberto Battiston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Grey Squirrel ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Status ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Rapid Removal

Abstract The eastern grey squirrel is listed among the worst invasive species throughout the world. This species of American origin is currently replacing the native Eurasian red squirrel in most of the Great Britain, as well as in parts of Ireland and Italy. It may debark trees and exert damages to woodlands and tree plantations. Therefore, its spread may be deleterious for biodiversity and environment, emphasising the need for a rapid detection in new areas of occurrence. In this work, we reported for the first time, the presence of new populations of this invasive species in Tuscany (Central Italy) and some updates and analyses regarding the status of this species in Veneto (North-Eastern Italy). Occurrences were collected through citizen-science contributory approach supported by photos, road-kills, and/or hair-tube sampling. Field investigations ad hoc were carried out in Veneto and Tuscany to confirm the repeated reports in the surroundings of Arezzo and in the province of Siena. Although records can be possibly related to erratic or single individuals escaped from captivity, reproductive nuclei have also been detected in both regions, with the observations of juveniles and/or lactating females. The occurrence of the species in these regions is still scarce and localised, but considering the surrounding favourable wooded habitats, a rapid removal of the animals would be required to prevent their spread.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document