[another_someone]

Red and Grey squirrels and the pox

Firstly, while many comments are made regarding the threat grey squirrels make to their red cousins, but I assume that the converse is also true, that since the two cousins are in competition, the demise of the red squirrel is an advantage to the grey squirrel.

Secondly, if the above is true, can it be assumed that squirrel pox, which I understand causes disproportionate harm to red squirrels, actually has a symbiotic relationship with the grey squirrel?

George

[Mjhavok]

It's Darwinian. Grey squirral is better at surviving than red squirrel. It's not the squirrels fault. Should we try to save the red squirrel if it is the weaker species.

Perhaps it is best to try and keep every species we have on the planet as mabye the red squirel produces an enzyme that will have medical benefits or something.

Steven

[ukmicky]

As the grey squirrel isnt native to the uk , i say treat them as vermin and help the red to survive.

[Mjhavok]

That's a bit harsh.

[cranial_implant]

Red squirrels are a lot more cuter than grey squirrels.I think so anyway.

My head is not what it used to be.

[another_someone]

Native is a relative concept.

Rabbits are not native to the British isles, neither are chickens, nor any other animals that our ancestors brought here to put in the pot.  Humans are not native to the British Isles (there was once a Britain without any humans in it).

To a squirrel, what does it care where its grandparents were born – if it is born in these isles, then why is it any less native than any other squirrel born in these isles?  Would you make the same distinction between human populations that are 'native' (by some judgement of the past ancestry) to these isles?

George

[Mjhavok]

quote:Originally posted by cranial_implant

Red squirrels are a lot more cuter than grey squirrels.I think so anyway.

My head is not what it used to be.

So we should just save the cute species?

Steven

[neilep]

I don't think Cranial_Implant was drawing any conclusions by citing that he prefers (on a cuteness scale) Red squirrels to grey ones !

I tend to agree that I think Reds are cuter than Grey (but then I love redheads anyway)

It is true of course that no species are indigenous, (like George mentions.)

in this case the Red squirrel though, is in definitive danger of extinction should the grey be allowed to encroach into it's habitat !...I for one would be really upset to see it go

Men are the same as women, just inside out !

[another_someone]

quote:Originally posted by neilep
in this case the Red squirrel though, is in definitive danger of extinction should the grey be allowed to encroach into it's habitat !...I for one would be really upset to see it go

And is this sufficient reason to go around killing greys?

George

[neilep]

quote:Originally posted by another_someone

quote:Originally posted by neilep
in this case the Red squirrel though, is in definitive danger of extinction should the grey be allowed to encroach into it's habitat !...I for one would be really upset to see it go

And is this sufficient reason to go around killing greys?

George

Actually, I think so.

I think a program of humanitarian sterilization techniques could be used here.

No one (no decent animal lover for which I am one) likes the thought of killing animals...but there are are many types of ways to control the numbers of a particular species....there are many culls (some are most certainly contentious) but I think if a  ' kind ' way could be found then I see no reason why there should not be a ' save the red squirrel' program in force.





Men are the same as women, just inside out !

[Karen W.]

I know this is not exactly on topic, But here where i am from they hunt squirels for food! I can't stand the thought, but have been told they are good eating YUUUUCK!!!

Karen

[neilep]

I bet they're quite gamey !!...or...maybe they just taste like chicken...like everything else does !

Men are the same as women, just inside out !

[Karen W.]

I hear they are a bit like duck , greasy!

Karen

[another_someone]

Don't see any problem with eating squirrels  - except they wont have a lot of meat on the carcass.  If we eat cattle, pigs, etc., then why not squirrels?

Probably taste a bit like rabbit, and I don't like rabbit – maybe they taste nuttier?

Killing for food, I have no problem with.  Killing simply because something does not fit into our view of what the world order should be is another matter.

I don't consider myself an animal lover, but I don't really like the arrogant view that says we should say how the world should be, and kill anything that does not fit that model.

I am quite willing to do what is necessary for our own comfort and our own well-being, but simply remodelling the world because we think we know better does seem a bit arrogant.

George

[Mjhavok]

Squirrel burgers Karen? Vomitus Maximus lol.

Steven

[Karen W.]

Yep, I think My granmas old recipe file has a couple recipes for squirrel! YUCK! LOL THEY ARE TOO CUTE!

Karen

[another_someone]

quote:Originally posted by Karen W.
Yep, I think My granmas old recipe file has a couple recipes for squirrel! YUCK! LOL THEY ARE TOO CUTE!

Karen

And rabbits are not?

George

[neilep]

At least the tails make for a nice duster !....or perhaps an ordormnent for a ladys hair ? []

Men are the same as women, just inside out !

[Karen W.]

I love bunnies too! DEER TOO< all of which are edible, but i don't eat them as they are so cute and the BAMBI FACTOR does not help either!! I could eat them for the flavor is fine and I have tasted them. But by choice choose to forego them for my palate!

Karen

[Mjhavok]

This weeks episode of thenakedscientists is sponsored by "Granma's squirrel burgers". They're Crunchy !


Steven