Red Squirrel Population Monitoring - Clocaenog Forest 2011/12

Descriptions

Forestry Commission Wales is inviting tenders to review and establish the population status of red squirrels within Clocaenog Forest, North Wales.This work will help to meet the following objectives – •Evaluate red squirrel densities to provide a baseline for monitoring of the efficacy of management to benefit red squirrels.•Confirm key areas of red squirrel habitat mapped in the 2009 report. Identify daily dispersal ability and distances of red squirrels and impermeable barriers to dispersal. •Provide or improve guidance on the management of Clocaenog Forest, for red squirrel conservation. This will ultimately help to maintain the future viability of the population. •Collect samples that will investigate genetic linkage between red squirrel populations and provide future understanding of any meta-population structure and assessment of the population’s current genetic viability.Monitoring Approach Monitoring will take place at 5 key locations, where there will be a constant trapping programme using up to 15 live cage traps per site (cage traps will be provided by FCW) for minimum duration for 2 weeks pre-baiting, followed by trapping for 4 months. (Nov 2011 – Feb 2012). Bidders have an opportunity to develop or submit their preferred approach and methodology to achieve the stated objectives using either the GPS system or location fixes, using triangulation methods.The successful contractor will require to report on the following information •Biometrics data and reference to general condition of caught grey squirrels etc. (FCW may provide previous data for analyses etc ).•Red squirrel home range size and habitat preferences within the current forest structure.•Estimate of red squirrel population in Clocaenog forest based on home ranges within suitable forest habitat. (FCW GIS data can be provide to the contractor, to support data analysis).•Additional recommendations or guidance for red conservation within Clocaenog Forest, including assessment of potential barriers to red squirrel dispersal.The estimated total value of the contract will be £25,000 – £40,000. Our intention is to award this contract for a period of 4 months (Nov – Feb 2012) The anticipated start date is 1 November 2011.