THE Upper Tywi Valley is now a focal point in the protection of red squirrels.

The Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership (MWRSP) has announced that it is expanding its focal site to include Cwm Rhaeadr and Upper Tywi as a response to changes in the range of red squirrels.

The increased area represents an important step in conserving the last remaining genetically unique population of red squirrels in Wales.

The zone previously followed the Teifi River but now encompasses Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron and Lampeter as well as Cwm Rhaeadr where red squirrels have been seen in the last 18 months.

In the buffer zone, control of grey squirrel population numbers can be carried out as they are a serious threat to the declining native red squirrel species.

Grey squirrels are an invasive species and are larger and more aggressive than their red counterparts, competing for food and habitats and carrying the squirrel pox virus, which is deadly to red squirrels.

Darren Millar, red squirrel species champion in the Senedd, said: “This expansion represents a huge step forward for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership, but the fight to save this quintessential species is far from over.

“We cannot save red squirrels without action, so if you do one thing, consider squirrel-proofing your bird feeders. Every free meal the grey squirrels raid from your garden increases their population and is another nail in the coffin for the reds.”

MWRSP says that the red squirrel population in mid Wales has dipped significantly in the last year, with only around 50-150 remaining, which is commonly cited as the tipping point for the survival of the species.

The partnership says that by reducing the number of grey squirrels and minimising the number of incursions into the focal area, they can help to protect red squirrels from extinction. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales encourages people to use squirrel-proof bird feeders to limit the proliferation of grey squirrels.