CONSERVATIONISTS are about to mount their final offensive to rid Anglesey of grey squirrels. Over the past seven years 6,500 greys have been culled. But Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrel (FARS) say the operation has reached a critical stage as they strive to establish the largest single colony of reds in Wales. Reds have gained a foothold in several woodland areas, including Pentraeth and Newborough. And scientists have been re-introducing them into more isolated parts of the island. FARS' Martin Bailey said:: "The removal of the grey squirrels is a tough but necessary decision and is the only option. "Anglesey may well become the last standing ground for the reds." Dr Craig Shuttleworth, of community regeneration organisation Menter Môn which is backing the operation, added: "The problem is that grey squirrels not only compete for the same resources as red squirrels but they also pass on diseases to the reds. "This means even a handful of grey squirrels pose a significant threat to local red populations. "Almost all of the remaining red squirrel populations in Wales are threatened and it is only a matter of time before a serious disease outbreak occurs." Dr Shuttleworth added: "The work is part of a national strategy aimed at conserving red squirrels in a series of forest reserves. "However the Anglesey project is unique because, as an island, conservationists have an opportunity to permanently remove the grey squirrel and restore the native red squirrel." | 
