Saving Britain's Red Squirrel

The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), best known for its charismatic russet red fur, bushy tail and tufted ears, is a native species to the UK.

In terms of habitat this species lives in both coniferous and broad-leaved woodland, inhabiting large twig nests known as dreys. Over the winter months related individuals may share a drey to stay warm, however red squirrels usually remain solitary until the breeding season. In terms of diet, squirrels eat mainly seeds, nuts, and berries from trees and shrubs. In the autumn several hiding places are utilised as food stores, which can then be accessed over the colder months of winter.

Sadly, over the last century the UK has witnessed dramatic declines in red squirrels populations. This is mainly due to habitat loss, increasing road traffic, and the introduction of Eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) from America. Grey squirrels both competitively exclude the red squirrel, and act as carriers for squirrel Parapoxvirus (Squirrelpox), a disease fatal to red squirrels, but to which grey squirrels are immune.

The red squirrel has an incredible ability to climb among thin branches, and fearlessly leap between tall trees in order to evade predators such as goshawk and pine martin. This would once have proven advantageous to the red squirrel, as grey squirrels are heavier and so lack the agility to evade predators as easily. However, with many predator species declining in number throughout much of the UK, the grey squirrel has continually expanded its range, causing severe mortality for the red squirrel species, which easily contracts Squirrelpox.

There now remains just 15,000 red squirrels in England, and as such this species is of high conservation concern.

One of the last red squirrel strong-holds in England is located within Merseyside and Lancashire. In 2008, the red squirrels here suffered a devastating loss when an outbreak of Squirrelpox resulted in 80% population fatality. Eight years later, due to the perseverance of volunteers and project officers at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the population has now increased to almost 90% of pre-pox numbers. The trust is a partner in the 'Red Squirrels United' project, which is funded by the EU Life and the National Lottery. Funding from this project has enabled long-term monitoring and grey squirrel control to be implemented.

Efforts carried out by conservation charities to save the red squirrel involve:

• Protecting red squirrels by keeping reds and greys apart.

• Assisting red squirrels in areas where red squirrel population numbers have stabilised or are increasing.

• Establishing new red colonies across the UK.

• Funding research on how to secure the red squirrel’s long-term future.

• Raising awareness of the plight of reds in the UK.

• Selectively culling grey squirrels to reduce populations, and minimise the chances of contact with reds.

It is clear that this species faces some tough times ahead. The few population strongholds within England today most likely only exist because of incredible everyday people who are devoting their time to re-establish and maintain viable populations.

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