Invasive squirrels in Argentina: cuteness is their pathway and their shield

GUICHÓN ML; M BORGNIA; VV BENITEZ ; C GOZZI

Mar del Plata

Congreso; 2nd World Conference on Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning; 2011

The Asiatic Red-Bellied Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus is the first known introduction of a squirrel into South America. Since its introduction in Argentina in 1970, this species has produced damages on productive systems, rural-urban areas, and biodiversity, being also a potential threat for human health. Squirrel establishment is facilitated by habitat modification in the Pampas, and spread is accelerated by translocation and illegal trade followed by escape or release into the wild. Positive attitude towards squirrels is related to the lack of native squirrels in the region, their diurnal habits, and communication media showing squirrels as charismatic and friendly animals. Being an attractive animal is not only their pathway for spread but also their shield against control actions. Government agencies are reluctant to implement prevention and control actions not supported by the community and require evident damages and threats to be demonstrated before initiating any management plan, in contradiction with the precautionary principle. Education and communication to the local community was achieved through workshops and conferences for several stakeholders. These activities had a multiplier effect having consequences in terms of preventing new invasion foci, particularly in Northern Argentinean subtropical forests inhabited by native squirrels. Deep understanding of the different perceptions of the problem among stakeholders is necessary to reduce social conflict and gain support to control actions, which is essential when dealing with a charismatic species inhabiting urbanized areas. Both research and public policy must include broad public participation in the decision making process to achieve a long-term management plan.