Fertility Control Research
Why fertility control?
Around the world fertility control is increasingly being used to effectively manage wildlife species. UK Squirrel Accord and supporters are funding the creation of a grey squirrel oral contraceptive and species-specific feeder.
Grey squirrels threaten the future of red squirrels and healthy woodland ecosystems. Lethal management methods alone are not stopping the problem and are publicly unpopular. Fertility control could offer a non-lethal alternative to reduce grey squirrel numbers with less effort needed.
Where are we now?
Researchers at the Animal and Plant Health Agency are refining the oral contraceptive formula. Feeding hopper field trials for species specificity are underway for the year. Progress is going well and we aim for this to be available by 2030.
The four stages of the fertility control programme are:
- Research and development – current phase
- Landscape-scale trials – in development
- Registration
- Widespread rollout
Thanks to all those supporting this work.
Watch our 2024 research update
Events
Online and in-person events to raise awareness & share knowledge. Find out more & join our next one.
UKSA project
Join our project to help protect red squirrels & trees in Yorkshire, Lancashire & County Durham.
Blog & news
Read our latest blog posts filled with squirrel & tree news & stories from across the UK.
Donate to help our work
Support the UK Squirrel Accord's work to protect red squirrels and trees, and effectively manage grey squirrels. This includes research to develop an oral contraceptive for grey squirrels.