Final event project LIFE U-SAVEREDS "to protect the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in Umbria"

Perugia, 11-13 April

The LIFE U-SAVEREDS Project has been funded by the European Union to protect the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in Umbria and, more broadly, the biodiversity in the Apennines. The threat to the red squirrel conservation is represented by the presence of the American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), introduced near Perugia in the early 2000s. The grey squirrel is included in the list of 100 of the worst invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe and worldwide, and more recently it has been included in the list of invasive species of Union concern (EU implementing regulation n. 1141/2016), under the European Regulation no. 1143/2014.

The project is coordinated by ISPRA and it also involves the Umbria Region, the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche, Legambiente Umbria, OIKOS, the Municipality of Perugia and the Lazio Region. Its main  objectives include the eradication of the grey squirrel and the restoration of some urban populations of red Squirrel. These actions are supported by an information and awareness raising campaign, aimed at citizens.

The final event of the LIFE U-SAVEREDS project will focus on the management of alien squirrels and other invasive species, addressing their impact and comparing different management experiences, undertaken at national and international level. The Conference will be held from 11 to 13 April 2018 in Perugia and it will be divided into a training course, mainly for technicians and students (on the 11th and the morning of the 12th), followed by an international symposium (12^th, afternoon, and 13th April).

• Program
• Press release (ita)
• Other useful information http://usavereds.eu/it_IT/save-the-date/
• Presentations
• Web site
• Abstract book

Further information: info@usavereds.ue