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SEPG25_25 - Date Awarded 2005
Exotic squirrels in Argentina
Dr M. Laura Guichón
Abstract
The aim of this project was to collect basic information on three new populations of exotic squirrels in Argentina, in order to evaluate the feasibility and need of control actions. Only one wild population of introduced squirrels, the Red-Bellied Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus, was known in Argentina. This arboreal squirrel native to South-east Asia was introduced in 1970 close to Luján in the Pampas Region, which has no native squirrels. It has previously invaded Japan, where it damages trees and cables, it predates the eggs of native birds, and it poses a risk of disease transmission to humans, and domestic and wild animals. Even in its native habitat this species causes serious losses to the forestry industry. All these damages have already been reported by local residents and producers in Luján. Nevertheless, many residents are pleased by the presence of this attractive animal. The SEPG awarded by the BES let us confirm the existence of three new foci of invasion of exotic squirrels, estimate their spatial distribution, and garner information on local opinions. Between September 2005 and March 2006, we carried out fieldwork at three study sites: “Matheu” located in the province of Buenos Aires, “Retiro” in the City of Buenos Aires, and “La Cumbrecita” in the province of Córdoba. The two first sites are placed less than 60 km from the Luján population, while La Cumbrecita is over 700 km apart. At the three sites we confirmed the presence of Red-Bellied Squirrels that are still restricted both in area and number. At Matheu, squirrels were first seen a decade ago and have spread within 2500 ha. While most local residents don’t care about their presence, 8% single out their ornamental value, and 18% claim that they damage cultivated plants and that they may predate on native birds. In the last decade, 12-16 Red-Bellied Squirrels were captured at the Luján population and released in La Cumbrecita, a tourist town of 500 inhabitants. The squirrels are now distributed over 50 ha but still in low abundance (25-30 individuals). Interviews revealed that residents are fond the squirrels and regard them as a local symbol and a tourist attraction. The squirrels established in the city of Buenos Aires (Retiro site) inhabit an urban park of 5.3 ha and were first seen 6-7 years ago. Less than 10 individuals inhabit the park and most visitors are unaware of their presence; however, park wardens claim that they debark and cut twigs of ornamental trees. Economic damages (e.g. in fruit and timber plantations, cables, irrigation systems), negative effects on native biota (e.g. nest predation), and disease transmission could all be consequences of the invasion of the Red-Bellied Squirrel. Present distribution of these squirrels in Argentina already threatens commercial plantations and urban areas, and also regions of high conservation value given that the Matheu population is located less than 10 km from the Otamendi Natural Reserve and the Delta of the Paraná River, which sustains unique and bio-diverse riparian forests composed of both temperate and subtropical species.
Full report: SEPG25_25
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