Help the Solway Forests with your best red squirrel snaps

…emerge in South Scotland. The group formed when a number of local residents became concerned about increasing reports of grey squirrel activity in the area and decided to do something about it. The Network’s range covers the forests that stretch along the scenic Solway coast, from Dumfries to Dalbeattie. Much of this area is managed by Forestry Commission Scotland but… […]

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New Frontiers for Volunteers

…as a field technician and research assistant studying rodent populations and testing two methods for controlling the plague (Yersinia pestis) a.k.a. Black Death. There I gained a lot of hands-on experience trapping and handling rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks, as well as the odd striped and spotted skunks (striped skunk below). Next, after 2 and a half years away I… […]

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How can mathematical modelling help save red squirrels in Scotland?

…Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland conservation efforts. Our knowledge of squirrel reproduction, dispersal, mortality, competition and squirrelpox transmission allows us to create mathematical models that simulate how red and grey squirrel populations change over time. The models can be combined with satellite maps of forest and squirrel habitat distribution to determine, for example, the spread and impact of squirrelpox… […]

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This Year's Sightings