Once the red squirrel was a common sight In British parks and on country walks, yet now they are a rare sight indeed. It is common knowledge that the introduction of the Grey squirrel to our countryside has been the primary reason for the rapid decline in our native breed. Alas this is not the only wildlife which has dramatically been endangered by the introduction of a competitive breed from across the Atlantic.
I recall summertime walks as a child and taking for granted the sight of Y-fronts resting on washing-lines. The variety of Y-front was astounding: the Lesser-spotted White Y, the Greater Stained Y, the brightly coloured M&S, along with the Brown Paisley. Endless rows of garden washing-lines, all with Y-fronts relaxing in the breeze.
The Y-front did not just inhabit the city gardens. On sandy beaches along the British coast they could be seen basking in the sun or dipping in a rock pool.
Many believe it was the 1984-1990 Levi’s advertising campaign which introduced the American bred Boxer-Shorts into the UK. The Boxer-Shorts where never really considered a threat to out native breeds of Y’s - as they flourished in abundance and the Boxers were initially meant to have been contained and restricted to television captivity.
Nobody quite knows how, but the Boxers began to reproduce outside of the containment area and soon they were establishing themselves in towns and cities far away from the recording studios.
To this day studies cannot clearly define how the Boxers had such a rapid impact on the numbers of Y-fronts. But the success of the Boxer was undoubtedly linked to the rapid decline in Y’s up and down the country.
At an astounding rate the Boxers evolved and new breeds appeared. The Common Cotton-Mix, which had been the original breed, was also now under threat by the genetically advanced Calvins.
I had the glorious privilege of sighting a Greater Stained Y on Sunday. Once seen in abundance, this now rare and lonely creature was resting on a bus shelter. As I gazed in wonderment at this rare sight, I realised how we should not take for granted that our Great British wildlife breeds will be around forever and treasure each and every sighting as a blessing that they live on.
In support of the Foundation for the Preservation of British Underwear Wildlife, I have pledged to help make record of the sightings to establish current numbers across the UK.
Please help by noting your sightings in a hope we can preserve this breed for generations to come.